Tensions rise as motion of no confidence in government shut down at council meeting - Donegal News

By Naomi Hamilton O’Donnell A MOTION of no confidence in the government was shut down at a special plenary meeting of Donegal County Council in Lifford today. A meeting on the ongoing fuel and cost of living crisis was called by 100% Redress Cllr Tomás Seán Devine. The discussion on the fuel crisis took place […]

A MOTION of no confidence in the government was shut down at a special plenary meeting of Donegal County Council in Lifford today.

A meeting on the ongoing fuel and cost of living crisis was called by 100% Redress Cllr Tomás Seán Devine. The discussion on the fuel crisis took place following a meeting held earlier on proposed variations to the County Development Plan 2024-2030.

Cllr Devine called for a motion of no confidence in the government, citing what he called the “shocking” response from the government to recent protests against rising fuel prices.

“It was absolutely deplorable, the language used by the Taoiseach and the Tanáiste,” said Cllr Devine.

However, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning said he would open the floor to comment but he would not entertain the motion.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said his position was to “protect the council” and reminded members that the council relies on government funding and keeping ministers on side.

His comments sparked a backlash from councillors within the council chamber with many voicing their support for Cllr Devine’s motion.

Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry McMonagle commented that Cllr Canning was treading on “dangerous ground” for not considering the motion.

His party colleague, Cllr Noel Jordan, also reminded councillors of their obligations to represent people in rural Donegal.

“Those protests that happened a couple of weeks ago now, they were ordinary people,” he said.

“I was on those protests and they were ordinary people basically trying to make a living. They were dismayed by the package that the government eventually came out with.”

100% Redress Cllr Joy Beard also warned that people are living in “cold homes” as they cannot afford home heating oil or pay electricity bills.

“We’re being hit with these rising costs at every single turn,” she said.

However, some councillors argued that the fuel situation is a wider global issue and that the council should focus on addressing issues within its control.

“There’s going to be implications for this council as a result of the challenges that are there,” said Fianna Fáil Cllr Ciaran Brogan.

“Maybe we should look more closely at that area, at things that we can control.”

“We’ve got to take a step back and look at ourselves,” said Fine Gael Cllr Martin Harley, who also condemned online abuse against members of An Garda Síochána who were deployed during the protests.

Councillors were united in their condemnation against threats made to Donegal Independent Senator Eileen Flynn, who faced online harassment on the back of the protests.

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