A Kerry county councillor claims elected members are being side-lined by the council.
Independent councillor Niall “Botty” O'Callaghan made the claim at the Killarney municipal district meeting, following a discussion on the council's decision to extend street closures in the town.
Independent councillor Niall O'Callaghan questioned why councillors only received an email when the Safe Street measures were extended, instead of being more thoroughly consulted.
He said, despite being considered essential services during the pandemic, councillors were not allowed to fully access county buildings.
To highlight this, the independent councillor claimed while he had to wait in reception, someone else swiped in, wearing no mask, and went about their business; considering that councillors have to pass a budget soon, this contradiction doesn't make sense, he added.
Councillor O'Callaghan says elected members are included when needed and given a patronising - and metaphorical - tap on the head when they play their part.
He claimed he doesn't receive respect as an elected official, so he'll cease to give respect to the council.
