Near walk- out by Councillor over Sligo Vet Lab motion
THERE was a near walk- out of a councillor at this month’s meeting after a row over standing orders.
Councillor Joe Queenan was refused permission by Cathaoirleach Cllr Hubert Keaney to speak on his motion about retaining the Sligo Veterinary Laboratory because the matter had been raised at the February meeting.
“Cathaoirleach you have a short memory - your party came in here month after month for cancer services,” said Cllr Queenan, gathering his belongings as he threatened to walk out.
“Can I plead that he is a practising farmer, we shouldn’t send away a councillor,” said Cllr Seamus Kilgannon. Cllr Keith Henry asked for a suspension of standing orders to discuss the issue.
“I’m not going to set a precedent,” said Cllr Keaney.
“I was Chairman too and we live in a democracy. It was great to see all the farming and political organisations united at the protest,” said Cllr Queenan, after he was allowed speak.
“It’s crucial to retain it. It’s worrying that it may close,” he said.
Cllr Thomas Healy said: “It’s important that we keep this infrastructure. Cllr Queenan is right, we all should stand behind it.”
Cllr Margaret Gormley said: “We met with the Taoiseach. He took our concerns on board and spoke with the Minister for Agriculture.”
Cllr Keaney concluded: “I strongly object to people bringing in motions repeated for political gain. Last week I wrote to Minister Coveney and Creed about it and spoke in person to Minister Coveney when he visited Sligo. Don’t anybody preach to me about what I’m doing.”