City’s new Mayor Keane proves able in the chair
Published:
-
-
Author: Dara Bradley
~ 3 minutes read
From this week's Galway City Tribune
Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley
Perhaps some of his predecessors had set the bar low, but the new Mayor of Galway, Peter Keane, proved able chairing his first full City Council meeting.
Of course, as a solicitor, public speaking is second nature to him. And after 15 years straight as a councillor, Keane is no political novice – he can hold his own in a political bun fight in the chamber.
But even still, the Fianna Fáil man’s first outing as chairperson of Galway City Council meetings was impressive at the July session. Here’s hoping it’s a positive sign of what’s to come during his year in office.
Firstly, he was efficient as chair. The meeting started on time, at 3pm, and finished at 5.42pm. That’s fair going, even if there wasn’t a lengthy agenda.
He tolerated no bullshit, either. When Declan McDonnell (Ind), attending remotely on Microsoft Teams, segued from one topic to a completely unrelated one that involved him praising Merlin area community activist, Donal Lynch, Keane rightly – and abruptly – cut him off. Blow smoke up Donal’s backside in your own time, was the clear but unsaid message to McDonnell.
There was no favouritism shown to his own. Like an angry múinteoir reprimanding schoolchildren, Keane barked at party colleagues, Councillors John Connolly and Alan Cheevers, to stay quiet, as they conducted a side conversation among themselves.
An attempt by pact colleague, Labour’s Níall McNelis, to make an additional contribution beyond the clarification he was allowed, was met with a firm but fair ‘no’. A wag of his finger and shake of his head added dramatic effect.
Keane demanded answers from the management team, without appearing rude. Obviously, that’s what they are there for, but the executive would have been in no doubt that they will be held to account during his term of office.
He treated the opposition with respect, too. Sympathising with Fine Gael colleagues on their loss due to the death of John O’Mahony set the tone for that.
Later, he seemed genuine, and respectful, not condescending, when noting a matter raised by Social Democrat Alan Curran was important.
Heck, he even threw in a bit of Gaeilge!
Post-election Councils can be easier to control when there are fewer people throwing electioneering shapes, but still, Keane acquitted himself well.
A nine-out-of-ten performance, with a deduction for restarting the meeting late after the mid-meeting tea break . . . Keane hasn’t yet mastered the art of dragging fellow councillors away from free tea and sandwiches.
Pictured: New Mayor Peter Keane, pictured with his predecessor, Eddie Hoare, is proving an able chairperson.
More like this:
New improved Dome to be erected at Galway Lawn Tennis Club
A new and improved dome is being erected at Galway Lawn Tennis and Sports Club on Threadneedle Ro...
Virtual healthcare rolled out for COPD patients in Galway
A new virtual healthcare programme is helping reduce hospital stays for COPD patients across Galw...
Extensive roadworks in Ballinasloe Town for next three weeks
Extensive roadworks will be taking place in Ballinasloe Town for the next three weeks. Five road ...
Mairead Farrell says housing crisis can be tackled effectively with “real political will”
If there’s the political will to do something, it can be done – and that applies to t...
Appeal to An Bord Pleanala over refusal of mobile saunas at Renville Pier in Oranmore
An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala over the refusal of plans for mobile sauna units ...
12% of Galway students in over-sized classes
Just over 12 percent of students in Galway are in over-sized classes. The National School Annual ...
Power outage affecting premises in Gort this morning
Residents in Gort are being impacted by power outages this morning. A fault was reported shortly ...
Stop water charge hike for farmers and businesses
Uisce Éireann’s proposed to hike water changes for farmers and businesses is unfair and excessive...
Delight for Galway trio included in Town Centre First funding
Three Galway towns and villages are celebrating their inclusion for funding to support their Town...