Cllr claims office of lord mayor used for ‘blatant political gain’
Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Shields launched a blistering attack on some previous mayors, and on the structures governing the office.
“I am disappointed at how the apparent ad-hoc role has evolved, when it appears all parties blatantly use the role for political gain,” she said.
“The office of lord mayor has been advertised and used as a political clinic; giving the freedom of the city to party cronies; and using the lord mayor’s awards for political gain.
“This is blatant political cronyism and must be stopped in order to raise the profile of the office of the lord mayor to a higher and expected standard.”
She made her comments during a debate on a Sinn Féin motion at Monday’s council meeting calling on the council to reiterate its view that the office of mayor is “apolitical”, that the holder of the office is representative of all citizens and that the office should not be used to pursue party political agendas.
The motion was prompted by an unprecedented political attack on Sinn Féin by the last Lord Mayor, Cllr Terry Shannon (FF), who described its members as “purveyors of poverty”.
Sinn Féin demanded an apology. Mr Shannon refused.
During the debate, Ms Shields said it appears as if little has changed around the protocol, roles and functions of the lord mayor since the title was established by Queen Victoria in 1900.
“Since I became a member of this council I have been part of the election of 13 lords mayor and I have never seen a specific document outlining the role, responsibility and duties of the lord mayor,” she said.
“I would like to ask the city manager is there such a document in existence? “And if so where is it? And is it signed by the lord mayor each year before taking up office?”
The new mayor, Cllr John Buttimer (FG) stressed it is his job to “park party politics” and strive to represent the city impartially.
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