Defending my position

I TAKE issue with the article “Cork politicians slammed over meeting walkout’’ (Irish Examiner, Feb. 9) wherein comments were made about the absence of elected officials from a Joint Policing Committee debate on Anti-Social Behaviour.

As one of the representatives referred to in the piece, I wish to defend my position. I was in attendance at the committee in question. I contributed to the earlier debate. Comhairle na nÓg’s submission on Youth Justice, for example, was one such debate and I availed of the opportunity to contribute to that debate. Having consulted the county solicitor’s notes I made the judgment that the motion referenced in your piece carried little merit, and I decided that my time would be better spent on pressing constituency matters.

Had your report referred to these notes, your readers would be aware that the advice questioned the legality of the motion’s aim. I believe my decision not to participate in this single debate was based on a judgment call. The motion held little purpose on the basis of legal advice proffered. I will not apologise for prioritising the representation of my constituents over engaging in debates on proposals that will clearly be dismissed on legal grounds. I believe in the work of JPCs. I am precluded from sitting on my own hometown JPC by virtue of a legal quirk. I am always willing to engage with anyone who seeks to make our towns safer. I refuse to become the brunt of cheap points scoring.