‘Unbelievable’ councillors weren't told of Ambassador's visit to Mayo
COUNCIL protocol around visiting dignitaries has been questioned.
The Chinese Ambassador recently visited the greenway in Westport but local councillors knew nothing about the visit, something Councillor Peter Flynn found 'unbelieveable'.
Raising the matter at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, he asked: “Have we been written out of the council in terms of our representation and role?”
If they had someone as significant as the ambassador of one of the biggest countries in the world visiting, he found it unbelieveable that elected members would not be told and have an option of meeting them.
They represent the people who elect them and he was concerned that their representational role is being undermined.
He cited recent anniversary celebrations at Knock airport which they weren't told about, and the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney where the cathaoirleach of the south Mayo municipal district wasn't invited to the airport to welcome him and the west district cathaoirleach wasn't invited to Aughagower.
“What is our role?” he asked. All 30 councillors should have the opportunity to be available to meet with important delegates, and to ensure the chambers of commerce, multi-agency and tourism groups are also involved.
Local government is clear - the 30 councillors are the representatives of the local authority, he said.
Chief executive Kevin Kelly said visiting dignitaries will seek a meeting with the CE and cathaoirleach, which is what happens in every county. What happens has been standard over the years. However, if members wanted to formulate revised procedures on that, he was happy with work with them.
Councillor Brendan Mulroy said the cathaoirleach of the relevant municipal district should be notified. It reflects poorly on members when there is an official group in their area and they can't say what's going on if someone asks.
Cathaoirleach Councillor John Caulfield said on this occasion he received a request for a meeting and he contacted officials and people he felt could promote the county in the best light to accompany him.
The Ambassador was 24 hours in the county, and said he would be back in touch again.
It was proposed by Councillor Damien Ryan that the protocol committee could convene and ask elected members if they have suggestions.
If someone wants to meet with the cathaoirleach and manager, that is fine, said Councillor Richard Finn. He couldn't understand why the chairperson can't get on with their business together with management.
“One chain is enough to represent this county when you're out and about representing the county,” he commented.
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