Sparks fly among Limerick councillors before new council even meets

THE NEW council has not yet even met – but already sparks are flying behind the scenes.

Labour Party councillors have been criticised for appearing to “prop up” Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in running the metropolitan district.

Since the final local election votes were counted at Limerick Racecourse, there have been intensive talks taking place among the parties over how to form a majority on council.

The two Civil War parties are one member short of controlling the area which covers the city and its suburbs.

Following the local election, there were five Fianna Fail members and five Fine Gael councillors in the metropolitan district, meaning that for the first time since 2004, neither of the parties have a majority in the city.

The Limerick Leader understands from multiple sources that Labour’s three councillors are in advanced talks regarding working with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in return for two paid positions – for example, the chairmanship of the metropolitan district.

This will give a majority of three to the governing group.

But other members in the area have been left fuming after efforts were made to form what Green councillor Sean Hartigan described as a “progressive majority” in the metropolitan district.

Talks were held at The Strand Hotel in the city centre, with Labour members in attendance, last week.

“I don’t think people voted for Labour Party councillors to prop up Fine Gael and Fianna Fail,” said Cllr Hartigan.
“I’m disappointed. It’s a missed opportunity. We could have governed for the people.”

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Sinn Fein councillor Sharon Benson said a “deal in principle” had been agreed between all those who met at The Strand Hotel.
“I’m extremely disappointed. There was a chance to take the metro for the first time in a long time. It’s a really bad look for Labour ahead of a general election to be jumping into bed with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail,” she said.

The administration of the metropolitan district is vital.

It is here where the majority of councillors in Limerick are based and where the largest population lies.

It’s in the gift of metropolitan council members to decide where various strands of funding can go.

And they also have a veto on planning applications undertaken by public bodies on public land in the city.

It’s understood by going into coalition with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, a Labour member will get to chair the metropolitan district for 12 months – a job which comes with a salary of around €18,000 per year on top of the regular councillor’s salary.

It’s likely they will also get a committee chairmanship, worth an extra €6,000 per annum.

The Leader understands as part of the opposition group’s discussions, Labour were offered similar terms.

Neither Fine Gael or Fianna Fail commented when contacted.

Attempts were made to reach Labour councillors Joe Leddin and Conor Sheehan, but neither returned calls.

Labour councillor Elena Secas declined to comment.

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Elsewhere, St Mary’s Cathedral in the city will play host to the inauguration of the newly-elected Mayor of Limerick John Moran this Friday.

One of the oldest buildings in the city – constructed in 1168 – will see the special event from 11.30am.

Following this, there will be a public celebration of his mayoral election, focused around Merchant’s Quay outside City Hall.

Then, the council’s annual general meeting kicks off at 3pm the same day. Here, the first priomh-chomhairleoir will be elected, expected to be Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney.