Thursday, September 22, 2016

THE PROPOSED name of the New Ross by-pass bridge has caused tension in the local authority chamber with one official pointedly addressing a councillor over what he regards as unfair criticism and innuendo.

District Director, Eamonn Hore, gave a presentation to the members to update them on the by-pass project at this month’s meeting – which took place on Wednesday.

He outlined, in detail, the progress of the scheme and also explained the nature of the proposal to name the bridge after the mother of JFK, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.

At the end of his address some of the members were quick to compliment Mr. Hore with the majority expressing support for the name.

During the presentation various images relating to the bridge and the by-pass were projected onto the screen in the chamber, however, an image of a poster erected by Cllr. Michael Sheehan in the run up to an election depicting him alongside JFK was also included in the presentation.

Although Mr. Hore didn’t comment on the photograph it remained on the screen for a matter of seconds before the next image came up.

Cllr. Sheehan has been critical of the proposed bridge name, despite voting with the members in favour of it at their June meeting, and has said public consultation should take place on the issue.

At the end of Mr. Hore’s presentation Cllr. Sheehan said he was disappointed that an official would present something to the members that was “so pointed towards an elected member” – referring to himself.

“I welcome the intervention of the [local authority] CEO to look at the naming options,” he said.

“Whatever name is chosen I have no difficulty with, but I think the people out there have to feel the process was transparent,” he added.

“I am disappointed that of all the presentations I have seen that one is so personally pointed that it was [done] to undermine [me] both personally and politically.”

Cllr. Sheehan went on to comment: “I was only standing up for the right of people and I do not think it’s helpful. I do not think it’s fair.”

Having stood up and turned directly towards Cllr. Sheehan, Mr. Hore said, in response: “There is nothing in that [presentation] that is not factual and I cannot say the same about you.”

“There is nothing hidden in it or nothing that isn’t transparent,” he added.

He went on to say: “You said no-one has a problem but clearly you do.”

“I have been hearing about a ‘cabal’ for five years,” he said.

“I came to Wexford County Council to do a job and I came to New Ross to do my best,” he added.

“I am only advising you at the end of the day it’s your decision.”

With obvious emotion Mr. Hore continued to face Cllr. Sheehan directly, albeit addressing the chamber: “You know this has been going on for a long time. I am not part of any ‘cabal’ and I don’t know who is so you might name them. I work for the County Council.”

With regard to the bridge name, Mr. Hore said: “I am not making this up. I spoke to Jean Kennedy Smith and it was her suggestion.”

Mr. Hore then commented on social media quotes which levelled much criticism at him personally including an assertion that ‘grovelling’ was taking place.

“Who is grovelling?” asked Mr. Hore.

“I will put facts up but you are not dealing with facts,” he added.

Cllr. Martin Murphy then intervened and said: “I would endorse the good work that Eamonn Hore is doing.”

He then criticised Cllr. Sheehan for the poster depicting himself and JFK and said: “When you see that poster above the Bumble Bee I am sure [the owners] would not have approved. That has never been apologised for. You did the damage yourself.”

Cllr. Murphy described the poster as “disgusting”.

Cllr. Anthony Connick said he was present “the last time” the ‘cabal’ was mentioned.

“It was brought to the public three times,” he said.

“My brother [Sean Connick] is in a very awkward position and you will have to name who you think is in this ‘cabal’,” he said to Cllr. Sheehan.

“It’s gone beyond a joke because if there is a ‘cabal’ against [you] then it must be working against us as well,” he added.

Mr. Hore then commented again and said: “You cannot beat facts.”

“The facts are that half the people out there are concerned with the process,” said Cllr. Sheehan.

“I cannot be responsible for what someone says or doesn’t say on social media,” he added.

“This [issue] will not be resolved now and I think the CEO getting involved will take the heat out of it.”

“I have never seen a more pointed or heated presentation.”

Cllr. Larry O’Brien commended the presentation: “I have to say what we saw today was exceptional but what is going on in this chamber is a form of bullying. It’s been going on three or four years now and it has to stop.”

With regard to the social media issue Cllr. O’Brien turned to Cllr. Sheehan and said: “It’s only a couple of individuals and you say you do not know anything about it but you do.”

“I am asking you, for the sake of the town, to stop.”

At that point Mr. Hore said: “I have no problem with public input.”

“You only make the decision to name a bridge once,” he added.

“I am not accusing Cllr. Sheehan of being responsible for what people put up on Facebook but I have to defend myself and I will defend my record.”

He went on to say: “I have no problem putting this behind me and working with you but when someone puts something in the public arena about ‘cabals’ and grovelling I will defend myself.”

Cllr. Connick then reiterated his request to have the ‘cabal’ named: “I want them named. It’s been going on a long time and the only way is if Michael names this group.”