Prendeville accuses Kilrush mayor of ‘dishonouring chain’

Before storming out of the December monthly meeting of Kilrush Town Council last Thursday night, Fianna Fáil town councillor Tom Prendeville warned the council executive and his fellow councillors that they should think twice before trying to stop him talking for more than five minutes on a motion.

“God help the one that tries to stop me from making a contribution for more than five minutes,” Councillor Prendeville advised.
The former county councillor made his comments in the middle of a heated exchange dealing with a change to the town council’s standing orders.
The meeting voted by five votes to two, with one abstention, to curtail councillors from talking for more than five minutes on one of their motions. Until last Thursday, councillors could speak for up to 10 minutes under standing orders.
The change to the standing order was proposed by Fine Gael Mayor of Kilrush, Marian McMahon Jones and seconded by Independent town councillor, Mairéad O’Brien.
“I think it’s very wrong of you to second that proposal,” Councillor Prendeville told Councillor O’Brien, before later labelling her “a sad person”.
Councillor Prendeville also targeted Councillor McMahon Jones for sustained criticism.
“Unfortunately, this places a blight on your term as mayor. You have successfully divided the councillors. And you want us to go out and have a drink with you tonight? Are you joking?” he asked with reference to the councillors’ plans to go for a Christmas drink after the meeting.
Councillor Prendeville had earlier proposed leaving the standing orders as they were. That proposal was seconded by Councillor Tom Clyne, who also left the meeting early in protest.
Furthermore, Councillor Prendeville suggested that any potential change to standing orders should have been made known to councillors in writing, prior to the meeting.
Town clerk, John Corry undertook to check the details with the council’s legal adviser.
“It’s a sad day for Ireland and it’s a sad day for Kilrush,” Councillor Prendeville said.
“Hang your heads in shame now lads. Democracy has been undermined tonight. I don’t feel part of this council any more, when you introduce a black motion like that,” he fumed.
Councillor Prendeville went on to describe the motion as “the darkest motion this council has faced in 25 years”.
Just prior to exiting the meeting, followed by Councillor Clyne, Councillor Prendeville again admonished Councillor McMahon Jones.
“Tonight I’m afraid you’ve dishonoured the chain,” he stated, before leaving half an hour after the meeting had commenced.
Councillors Marian McMahon Jones, Mairéad O’Brien, Paul Moroney, Ian Lynch and Liam Williams voted in favour of the change to standing orders, while Councillors Prendeville and Clyne voted against. Councillor Liam O’Looney abstained.