Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

2:00am - 6:30am

The Late Night Mix

Pogues & Dubliners

Irish Rover

Decision Not To Co-Opt 'Boxer' To Council Amounts To "Political Apartheid"

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 07:10

The move has set a dangerous precedent, according to a sitting Westmeath councillor.

The decision not to co-opt Kevin 'Boxer' Moran onto Westmeath County Council amounts to "political apartheid" for independent reps.

That's according to Labour's Denis Leonard, who says the local authority broke with tradition in not selecting the nominated candidate of the councillor stepping down.

Former OPW Minister Moran was beaten to the seat, left vacant by his son, by Paul Hogan at a meeting of the local authority yesterday.

Councillor Leonard says the move sets a dangerous precedent going forward:

Denis Leonard will be discussing the topic with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today at 9.30 this morning.

Meanwhile, another councillor believes the co-option process "flies in the face of democracy".

Fianna Fáil's John Shaw says it doesn't help to encourage new faces into politics.

He question is - 'is it right that if a father steps down, he gives it to his son or his brother or vice versa?', adding it's his opinion that the public wouldn't appreciate that kind of set up.

Councillor Shaw suggests a different approach would be fairer:

More from Midlands News

NASA Artemis II Mission Begins Journey Back To Earth

Seanie Morris from the Midlands Astronomy Club says it was a good time to send the mission out.
Westmeath Boy To Be Laid To Rest After Devastating Road Accident

Dara O'Connor died on Monday March 23rd.
Laois Man To Hold Charity Raffle And Open Day This Weekend

Gordan Gee is raising funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation which helps his daughter Maddie with round the clock care.
Westmeath Cycleway Bridge To Be Named After Late Mary O'Rourke

Taoiseach Micheal Martin will attend the official naming ceremony next month.
Former Oireachtas PAC Chair Urges Direct Answers From State Bodies

Inland Fisheries Ireland is revealing it paid around €60,000 euro to a communications company.
Westmeath Family Appear In Court Over Violent Row

The incident happened on Athlone's Church Street in the early hours of February 1st.
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €352K

Seizures were made in the Midlands, Dublin and Rosslare Europort
Farmers Vow To Continue Fuel Protest

Convoys of trucks, buses, and cars have gathered in Dublin.
Three Midlands Garda Stations Left Without Dedicated Officers

Certain stations have lost their sole officer workers.
Midlands Fire Stations To Benefit From Fire Services Capital Programme

€328.5 million euro is being allocated for stations across the country.
Midlands Motorists Clocked Speeding Over Bank Holiday Weekend

Drivers across Laois and Offaly were spotted exceeding speed limits.
Gardaí Seek Witnesses Following Westmeath Burglary

The incident took place in Tyrellspass on Saturday evening.
Teacher Pay, AI And Staffing Crisis To Dominate Union Conferences

The teaching unions will gather across the country for their conferences.
Electric Picnic Organiser Sees UK Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Booking

Wireless Festival has received criticism for the inclusion of the 48 year old.
Missing Offaly Man Found Safe And Well

Bernard Westman was last seen on Thursday.
Man Dies Following Midlands Crash

A man has died five days after being involved in a serious collision in Longford.
Storm Dave Leaves Hundreds Of Midlands Homes Without Power

A yellow wind warning remains in place for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath until 2am Sunday.
Laois Dairy Farm Submits Planning Application To Retain Onside Accommodation

Beechill Farm went into dairy farming in 2021.
Westmeath’s Musical Link To Sinead O’Connor Highlighted By Wax Museum Update

Paddy Dunning was good friends with the late singer.
Moneygall To Feature On New US Presidents Trail Celebrating Irish Roots

Barack Obama visited Moneygall during his visit to Ireland in 2011.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103