City Hall Cartel Stifles Debate
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien last night slammed Labour and Fine Gael for voting with Fianna Fáil to block a debate on the economic crisis facing the country, and accused them of operating a cartel within City Hall to share out positions and stifle debate.
Sinn Féin had put forward a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders so councillors could discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications for the city’s budgetary position. After it was voted down, several members of the public who were watching proceedings from the gallery staged a brief protest.
Cllr O’Brien, said:
“It is not surprising that Fianna Fail would object to the council discussing the unprecedented crisis facing our country. But that Labour and Fine Gael voted alongside them to block a debate on the IMF bailout is incredible.”
“Maybe it is because they are in a pact with Fianna Fail to share out well-salaried positions, including the Lord Mayorship, that they are anxious to stifle dissent within the council chamber.”
“Maybe it is because both parties are committed to the same failed strategy of cuts as the government. Labour and Fine Gael both accept the completely arbitrary and unattainable goal of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Both of them have pledged to accept the deal with the EU and IMF once in government.”
“Whatever the reason, Labour in particular has consistently voted against motions to trim council expenses, subject conference fees to more scrutiny, and now a proposal to debate the economic crisis facing the country.”
“While Eamon Gilmore is shouting treason from the opposition benches in Leinster House, his councillors in Cork City Hall are working hand in glove with Fianna Fáil. Labour and Fine Gael present themselves as an alternative to the government, but the cosy cartel they operate together on Cork City Council suggests they are more like tweedledum and tweedledee”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
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