Claims of sabotage, back tracking, and political opportunism - It doesn't get much better
CLAIMS of political opportunism and of a "shameless act of sabotage" have been made against Labour party councillor on the borough council, Sean O'hArgain by Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Malone.
The two have never been chums and it now seems that it's all-out war with Cllr Joe hitting the bullseye with his crack at the Labour man. We're hoping that O'hArgain comes back with a counter punch, but wonder if he has the ammunition after the knock-out punch delivered by Cllr Joe. It's just what local politics needed - an all-out row between opposing members.
But, and there is always a but, why is it that the claims were made on Deputy John McGuinness's website with a link telling you that on his son Andrew's Facebook page. Anyway, Cllr Joe "slammed" a recent press statement by Cllr Sean. Malone said on Deputy John McGuinness's website that Cllr Sean had attempted to claim credit for a proposal by the Fianna Fil group at the recent Borough Council budget meeting to give f2,000 to Kilkenny's Drugs Task Force, despite the record showing that Cllr Sean voted against the proposal.
Cllr Joe who, to his credit, has long had an interest in the drugs culture of the city and the terrible impact it is having on families, said that since being elected he had continuously highlighted Kilkenny's drug problem and on the first occasion when he sought support from his council colleagues the record showed that, with the exception of the FFers, all of the other eight members, including Cllr Sean O'HArgain, voted against it. Hard to argue with that.
"Now that they have seen the error of their ways, they are seeking to redress their poor decision in a bid to save face and get cheap headlines," Cllr Joe said.
"That's just not good enough," Cllr Malone said. "The people of Kilkenny who elected us deserve a lot more respect than that. Back-tracking and trying to publicly claim credit for something they actually voted against is simply unacceptable and to send out press releases to that effect is a blatant lie to the public," he said.
"I am now publicly calling on the members of Labour, Fine Gael and the Greens, to step up to the plate, acknowledge their mistake, and ensure that the small sum of €2,000 be allocated to the Drugs Task Force as a matter of urgency," he said.
"Through my background in addiction studies and community work, I see first hand the destruction and heartache drugs have caused to families in Kilkenny. It's an issue close to my heart and I will continue to do my best as a public representative to tackle this, even if other councillors try to claim credit for my work," concluded Cllr Joe Malone on John McGuinness TD's website.
Nazi slogans
Pro-Nazi slogans are beginning to spring up in some housing estates around the city. If you know anyone involved, please ring the gardai on 056-772 2222.
Financial cost of bad weather
How much will the bad weather cost the local authority in terms of looking after roads and people. In the region of f1 million, Insider heard. Still, county manager Davy Crockett and his team made sure that it wasn't an Alamo for many of us.
To the fire service for delivering water and everything else, to the staff of the city and county councils, we say well done.
So, the next time someone says something unkind about the local authority, just tell them they have short memories. Nothing would pay them for the hardship they put up with during the last three weeks.
Well done to the Pembroke Hotel
The people at The Pembroke hotel, Patrick Street, were fast off the mark with their offer of f50 a night for those stranded in the city by the bad weather. Good thinking - and you know you must be doing it right when your competitors copy you.
Flood was in 1947 and not '49
Insider would like to apologise for stating the great flood that devastated the city was in fact 1947 and not 1949 as stated. thanks to the person who rang in to set the record straight - much appreciated.
Will Obama be kept away from Kilkenny by the awful Offaly crowd? Or will peace envoy, Diarmuid Healy be successful?
Insider thinks that the Offaly crowd with Brian Cowen, An Taoiseach in their corner, may have the upper hand in deciding if US president Barack Obama visits Kilkenny or Moneygall, Co Offaly. At least here in Kilkenny we have a tomb to his 6th generation grand uncle the late bishop John Kearney. That's something that Bobby Aylward TD and John McGuinness TD should work on as Government deputies. A visit by Obama would do wonders for the city's tourism. Lads, one message to ye - Yes We Can.
Just thought of this angle -why not get Conahy man, Diarmuid Healy to broker a truce with the Offaly crowd. He led the county to its first All Ireland senior hurling success in 1981. He could be the man to dispatch and make sure Obama visits both places.
Thanks Larry Davids
Would like to thank comedian, Larry Davids, for lunch last week.
Thank you Breda
ST Luke's lost a great person before Christmas with the retirement of midwife, Breda Bourke. Good to see she is making the most of her new found leisure time.
A wig in County Hall
Insider keeps hearing rumours that someone in County Hall is wearing a wig. If you have any knowledge of this claim please email: insider@kilkenny people.ie
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Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
