Party split fails to emerge at heated council meeting

THE threat by a member of Fianna Fáil to split ranks with his six party colleagues on Waterford County Council petered out at the conclusion of an extraordinary reconvened annual estimates meeting last night.

Tramore’s Cllr Dan Cowman supported the 11 Fine Gael members in having the book of estimates adopted on a 12-11 vote, with the other FF members, Labour’s four councillors, and the lone Sinn Féin member all voting against.

The result ensured Environment Minister Dick Roche did not have to exercise his legislative powers and disband the council.