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.