Exchange of words at Glenties AGM as new Cathaoirleach is appointmented

An exchange of words took place ahead of the AGM in Glenties Municipal District (GMD) meeting today where a new Cathaoirleach and a Leas Chathaoirleach were to be elected. 

The former Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District, Cllr Anthony Molloy began the process saying he would nominate Independent Councillor Michael McClafferty. 

The meeting was told the independent grouping was putting forward Cllr Michael McClafferty, but Cllr Michael Cholim MacGiolla Easbuig said he’d been promised the nomination when the current council was first elected.

He referenced a decision which was made in 2019 whereby he said it was agreed he would be Cathaoirleach on this occasion.

"The decision was made that I would be Cathaoirleach today," Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said.  

A discussion got underway between Independent Councillors McClafferty and Mac Giolla Easbuig which saw Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig asking that comments made by Cllr McClafferty be withdrawn. Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig remained calm during the exchange. 

Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher suggested a 10-minute adjournment. On the return of the council Michael Mac Giolla Easbuig asked, once again, for the comments to be withdrawn. 

Cllr Gallagher said she would be nominating Cllr Michael McClafferty in agreement with a former agreement which was signed by 37 councillors some time ago. 

"This is internal issue within the independent grouping and now it is coming to the Glenties MD - all I can do is stand by the agreement. I will stand by the agreement I put my name to," Cllr Gallagher said.    

Cllr Anthony Molloy seconded the nomination for Cllr Michael McClafferty by Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher. 

Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen McGarvey nominated Cllr Micheal Choilm to the position and it was seconded by Cllr Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig. 

Speaking after the meeting, Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen McGarvey said: "It was my understanding in 2019 that it would be Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig because he was the only independent at the time."

A subsequent vote took place whereby it was agreed Cllr McClafferty would be Cathaoirleach. 

Cllr Molloy thanked those who helped and supported him over the year. He said it was great to be present at the turning of the sod on Errigal, the launching of the thatching school project, the official opening of changing places Narin, among many other occasions.

Many warm tributes were paid to Cllr Molloy by his council colleagues. 

Cllr McClafferty apologised for his earlier outburst when paying tribute to Cllr Molloy later in the day.

Cllr Micheal Choilm was later nominated to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach. However, Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig declined the nomination saying he wasn't interested in the position.

Cllr Noreen McGarvery was subsequently nominated to the position of Leas Chathaoirleach by Cllr Gallagher and Cllr Molloy.