Free speech 'under threat' - councillor
NAAS, 14 March 2002: by Brian Byrne. Freedom of speech at Naas Town Council is under threat, according to long-sitting Fianna Fail councillor Charlie Byrne. He made the remarks in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s episode when Cllr Mary Glennon was forced to leave the chamber in tears after constant haranguing by fellow councillors Seamie Moore and Timmy Conway.
“They were the most disgraceful scenes I have seen in the council since I joined in 1984,” Cllr Byrne said. “And I really fear for the freedom of speech of any councillor in the chamber in the future. Councillors must be given the right to speak uninterrupted.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Glennon has called on the chairman of the council, Willy Callaghan, to consider his position after failing to maintain order during her right of reply following discussion of one of her motions.
She says Cllr Callaghan is guilty of ‘dereliction of duty’ in failing to sanction members who abuse colleagues at council meetings, as required under Standing Orders. She said her reputation ‘is in shreds’ following allegations in the chamber that she was ‘telling lies’.
KNN understands that Cllr Glennon is instituting legal proceedings in a number of directions as a result of remarks made during the last two statutory meetings of the council.
Cllrs Callaghan, Conway and Moore are currently on a twinning trip to Omaha, Nebraska, and are not available for comment.
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Charlie Byrne
Willie Callaghan