He says councillors work for the people 24/7.
The Mayor of Athlone is welcoming a proposed pay rise for county councillors- as long as its in line with other areas of the public sector.
Councillors salaries could increase by 47% in 2020, rising from €17,000 a year to €25,000, according to the Irish Examiner.
Fianna Fáil's Frankie Keena says the job requires enormous amounts of commitment and involves working around the clock.
He feels improved pay would make local politics more appealing and, in turn, raise standards.
But the Westmeath councillor says many other members of the public sector are working for low pay, particularly the Defence Forces:
Almost €446,000 Allocated To Midlands Community Centres And Clubhouses
Two People Killed In Offaly Following Fatal Crash
Midlands Family Takes On Ireland’s Fittest Family Challenge
5K Fundraiser To Support Motor Neurone Disease Association Takes Place In Westmeath
No Slowing Down With Age As Westmeath Bowlers Shine At 14th Annual National Bowls Competition
Woman Appears In Court Over €280k Cannabis Seizure In Midlands
Status Yellow Fog Warning Issued For Leinster, Munster And Galway
Call For More Public Toilets Across The Midlands And Beyond