Nothing new in council pact

I refer to two articles published on Tuesday, June 10, regarding the pact between political groupings on Cork City Council.

Both articles give the false impression that what has been agreed is something new when the reality is that it is nothing of the sort. Sinn Féin has agreed to a formal arrangement with other groupings, it has agreed to a pact.

In previous councils the position of lord mayor and other important roles on city council were always shared between political groupings proportionately to the respective electoral mandate. The arrangement that has been reached by political parties on Cork City Council in the last few weeks reflects the same system that has been operated since the 1979 local elections.

This time, however, there is one difference. This time there is no obligation on any group taking the benefit of positions to act responsibly. This time there is no understanding on the importance of passing budgets, a necessary step if a council is to continue to operate as mandated by the people. In the absence of passing budgets all functions are handled by the officials and a commissioner replaces our elected councillors.

Of 31 councillors 26 are participating in the 2014 pact, again this reflects participation rates since 1979. In fact in 1979 it was more inclusive, 29 of 31 councillors participated. Similarly, in 1985, only five councillors did not participate, in 1999 and 2005 it was 6.

In only one election since 1979 would it have been possible for another grouping to participate in any arrangement, that was in 2009. However, councillors representing two thirds of the council, a very significant mandate, decided that they would only work with those who were prepared to accept both the responsibility and privilege of important roles on city council.

Despite the spin the reality is that today we still have a pact on Cork City Council. However, this pact is no longer focussed on the long-term interests of our city, our people and the businesses that create employment here in Cork. The pact is now solely about positions, that is the only difference that Sinn Féin has made.

Fine Gael has a team of strong councillors, each of whom will continue to take responsible decisions in the interests of our entire city. Over the coming years it will be of interest to the electorate which councillors and groupings accept the privilege of positions but shirk their responsibilities.

Jerry Buttimer TD

Chairperson, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Cork South Central

Constituency Office

Glasheen Road

Cork