Anger over anonymous poll to rubberstamp media exclusion from Mayo law and order forum
A new twist has occurred in the Mayo Local Community Partnership's (LCSP) efforts to rubberstamp a moratorium on the local media from covering meetings of the authority.
Members of the body have been asked to respond to a 'completely anonymous' poll 'in order to establish an informed level of consensus on the matter.'
Because the partnership already decided at its inaugural meeting to exclude the media, the result of poll, which must be completed by 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday), is highly predictable.
Only four members of the 20+ members have indicated to date that they wish the press to cover proceedings as was the case with the former Mayo Joint Policing Committee, which preceded the partnership.
They are Councillor Donna Sheridan, Councillor Al McDonnell, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne and former councillor Christy Hyland.
Councillor Sheridan described the anonymous poll as 'an extremely disappointing move as it undermines the very fabric of local democracy and freedom of the press, which is enshrined in the Constitution'.
Councillor Sheridan and Councillor Kilcoyne have made a submission ahead of next Thursday meeting of the partnership in Ballina calling for all meetings to be open to the media.
However, it is not listed as an item on the agenda.
A spokesperson for the LCSP said the poll asked 'should a moratorium be in place on media attendance at meetings until such time as the Mayo LCSP plan has been adopted, which is expected to be the end of 2026'.
Councillor Kilcoyne has threatened to resign over the exclusion of the press.
He stated once the moratorium is formally put in place, it is unlikely to be lifted during the lifetime of the partnership.
"I don't wish to be part of such a forum," he added.
A number of other countries have invited their local media to cover their LCSP meetings.
Speaking the matter in the Oireachtas, Mayo Senator Mark Duffy stated: "I am a former member of the joint policing committee of Mayo County Council, which was always an excellent forum for airing views in a constructive way on behalf of one's community.
"It gave a voice to communities on antisocial behaviour and various issues that fall under the remit of An Garda Síochána. There was always a positive and constructive approach, with county councillors, gardaí and agency stakeholders attending.
"Local newspapers and radio stations have had a difficult few years but it is becoming even more important to have strong local media attending and reporting on all public meetings that are in the public interest.
"I ask that clarity be given such that we have a clear understanding of the role of media within the LCSPs. It is not right that they be excluded from the initial meetings or any meetings. They have an integral role in reporting county council meetings and strategic policy meetings.
"In this age of disinformation and sometimes populism, people can run off with a story. It is local journalists who hold the truth and can bring it to bear for local communities, especially on sensitive issues to do with policing, where a lot of fearmongering can go on within communities.
"Journalists play a really important role in reporting on those matters. I support the inclusion of media at all meetings of public interest."