Councillor wants foul-mouthed colleagues given red card

A Fianna Fáil politician accused of “bullshitting” in a local authority meeting has called for a crackdown on foul-mouthed councillors.

Kenneth O’Flynn said last night he has put a motion before Cork City Council calling for a system that could see councillors who express themselves “in a base manner” being kicked out of meetings and facing suspension.

“The people who elect us don’t want us cursing and swearing as if we’re in a pub,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“I accept that people use bad language in everyday life — I swear myself, but I try not to.

“But if you’re elected to public office, and if you’re speaking before the first citizen of the city, you should have a level of respect for her, for city management, and for the people you represent.”

The row follows a heated exchange between Mr O’Flynn and Worker’s Party councillors Ted Tynan at Monday’s regular council meeting.

Mr O’Flynn was debating housing issues when Mr Tynan interrupted: “There he is, bullshitting as usual.”

Mr O’Flynn said Mr Tynan’s contribution “lowered the tone” of the debate.

“I don’t regard myself as an intellect, but I do have a good grasp of the English language,” Mr O’Flynn said.

“He could have used dozens of other words to express himself.”

Mr Tynan dismissed Mr O’Flynn’s motion as “a load of nonsense”.

“I felt I was very polite to him, given the circumstances,” said Mr Tynan.

“The serious point that was missed during the debate was that we don’t have enough money to repair council houses.

“It would be better if Mr O’Flynn started representing his constituents better instead of nonsense like this.”

Sinn Féin leader on the council, Chris O’Leary, branded Mr O’Flynn’s motion a “publicity stunt”.

“He’s being very petty. It’s gamesmanship and smacks of desperation,” said Mr O’Leary. “He must be under pressure. If has a genuine complaint, he should take up it with the lord mayor.”