CPA strike back at Cork’s ‘insult’ claims

THE Club Players’ Association (CPA) have hit back at suggestions from Cork that a proposal to introduce voting transparency at Congress is an insult to the Association’s ultimate decision-making body.

Micheál Briody, CPA chairman, said that he hoped other counties will take a more enlightened attitude to the motion, which will go before Congress in Croke Park on Saturday.

“I cannot understand how anyone would be opposed to a proposal that seeks to increase transparency and accountability. We were repeatedly told that the way to get change was to bring a motion to Congress.

“We’re doing that in what is the ultimate test of democracy in the GAA. All we want is that Congress votes can be traced back to counties and delegates so that everyone knows how they voted,” he said.

Under the current system, votes are cast using a hand-held set. The overall result is flashed on to a screen, with no detail of how counties voted. Under the CPA plan, votes could be traced back to individual counties and delegates.

Cork County Board decided on Tuesday night to oppose the CPA motion, which is being sponsored by Wexford. In the course of the debate, Cork secretary Frank Murphy said that the motion was “an insult to Congress”. He also described traceable voting as ‘impractical’, claiming that it would lead to delays. Briody insists that is not the case.

“Our understanding is that there is no technical reason to prevent votes being recorded. It is standard practice elsewhere and the technology is in place.

“Congress delegates will, I am sure, welcome the opportunity to show their voting record to dispel any doubts as to the democratic nature of Congress,” he said.

Liam Griffin, former Wexford All-Ireland winning manager and CPA activist, will propose the motion at Congress.