The current Donegal County Council comprises of 37 Cllr’s. Among them, there are 12 from Fianna Fail, 10 from Sinn Fein, 4 from Fine Gael, 1 from the Labour Party, and 7 Independents who have formed a pact. Additionally, there are 3 other Independents, including myself (Cllr Frank McBrearty), Cllr Michael McBride, and Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig.
Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Fine Gael, the Labour Party, and the Independents collectively present themselves as an all-inclusive Council. However, independent Cllr’s like us are not part of this arrangement. Unfortunately, this type of politics does not promote democratic and healthy political debate. Effective politics thrive when there is robust opposition in both Irish local and national government. These political groupings have imposed limitations on our speaking time during motions. Only the proposer and seconder of a motion are allowed to speak on it. Yet, this is not what people voted for.
Voters expect us to hold civil servants accountable, especially when they fail in their duties. In principle, civil servants are answerable to the people, and that’s precisely why we elect Cllr’s—to be our voice in Irish local government. Regrettably, this mandate has been lost in translation due to power-hungry and expense-focused Cllr’s who prioritize their own interests over those of the public for which they were elected to serve.
Since 2014, these political groupings have established a power-sharing pact. Among the benefits they share are:
- County Mayors and Vice Mayors: Five of each €40,000 pa & €10,000 pa.
- Cathaoirelachs: Twenty-five across five municipal districts (Letterkenny/Milford, Inishowen, Lifford/Stranorlar, Glenties, and Donegal): €12,000 pa for Letterkenny, €10,000 pa for Inishowen and €6000 pa for the other three.
- Special Policy Chairs (SPC): Six positions - €6000 pa for 5 years = €30,000.
- Vice Chairs (SPC): Another six positions.
- National Committees: Including the Western Health Forum, NWRA, ETB, ATU and others.
- Internal Council Committees: Such as the SPCs, JPCs, DLDC, IP and others.
- Board Memberships: These can also be lucrative for Cllr’s. Additionally, they claim expenses for conferences, training, and other junkets over the five-year term—all at the taxpayers’ expense.
The positions of Chair and Vice-Chair of the AILG and LAMA are particularly sought after. In total, these councillors benefit to the tune of €1 million+ in tax-free expenses during their 5 year term. Their annual salary of €28,500 each, adds up to approximately €5,272,500 million.
Meanwhile, taxpayers contribute to Donegal in the tune of well over €7 million to fund their representation in Donegal County Council and Irish local government. Remarkably, only two Cllr’s—myself (Frank McBrearty) and Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig— do not hold other jobs. We are committed full-time public representatives.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed first-hand the abuse of power by some Cllr’s. Some have been found guilty by the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) for claiming unauthorized expenses. Furthermore, certain Cllr’s attend conferences but claim expenses they are not entitled to, even if they didn’t actually attend. This abuse should have been curtailed, especially after five Donegal County Cllr’s were found guilty of such offenses under the 2001 Local Government Act (amended).
The AILG and LAMA have played a role in perpetuating this abuse, as evidenced by recent conferences where some Cllr’s claim expenses without attending or exceeded their entitlements if they do attend. The AILG (Association of Irish Local Government) and LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) serve as unions for these Cllr’s right across the country. With a total of 949 councillors, these organizations play a crucial role in representing elected officials first and not the people first. I am proud to be one of them, however, I am ashamed of what they do which is challenged by the very few.
However, unlike many of my colleagues, I don’t have the luxury of attending the frequent “junkets” organized by these unions and Council’s right across the Country. These events consume valuable time, and I wonder: do they truly benefit the public interest?
Accountability and Taxpayer Funds -A Call for Investigation There’s an urgent need for a criminal investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau into the misuse of taxpayers’ money by certain Cllr’s and their Political Parties. This abuse persists, largely unchecked, within Donegal County Council and other local authorities nationwide. As taxpayers, we fund these activities, and it’s our right to demand transparency and accountability especially from those we elect to Irish local government and who we are supposed to trust after we elect them on their word and false promises.
Political Landscape and Growing Concerns - In the last local elections in Donegal, Fianna Fail gained an additional Cllr, bringing their total to 12, while Sinn Fein also increased by 1 their representation to 10 councillors. This trend is concerning and the Electorate have to be made aware of this. If these two political powerhouses continue to grow, they could potentially seize complete control of Donegal County Council. The implications of such dominance are daunting and unthinkable.
Challenging the Status Quo and Unconstitutional Powers - Dissenters always face consequences. I’ve experienced this first-hand. When you challenge the status quo especially in the forgotten County of Donegal, you risk being silenced. Certain Cllr’s wield unconstitutional powers hidden within the 2001 Local Government Act (amended 2020). They can suspend you from meetings and committees, withholding your salary, expenses and fine you a percentage of that salary for long periods of time as they have done to me over 2022, 2023 and 2024. But they cannot expel or suspend you as an elected member of “the Council”—a mandate bestowed by the people is protected by the people in a 5 year binding contract.
Party Politics: Lessons Learned - My journey through party politics has certainly been an eye-opening experience. As a former Labour Party Cllr for four years and Labour Party Mayor in 2012/13 along with a brief stint as a Fine Gael Cllr, I’ve certainly witnessed the inner workings of these parties. Fine Gael courted me before the 2019 local government elections and I was convinced by those around me at the time to join their ranks, especially by former Minister Joe McHugh TD and former Junior Minister Dinny McGinley TD. It became clear to me when I was re-elected to “the Council” that their real agenda was all about leveraging my personal vote for the Minister and not a genuine commitment to public service. This is why they sought me out, especially due to the Cultural & Heritage area I am from and grew up in, which Fine Gael TD Paddy Harte had represented for over 36 years in “the Council” and in our “National Parliament”.
When I resigned after 5 weeks due to not being their yes man as they thought. They attemped to entice me to stay with the offer of a Seanad Seat and three lucrative national committees. This is how Party Politics works “say yes” “do as your told” and “we will look after you”.
Politics should never be about financial gain, it should be about representing the people first especially those who put their trust in you to represent them.
Resilience and Advocacy Politics is a gritty arena, and resilience and fighting spirit is essential. I stand up for my family and all constituents—whether they voted for me or not. My political career transcends mere vote counts; it’s about representing the people in local government first, not the Civil Servants that really have full control because of the Political Parties that hold the balance of power in Lifford.
Sadly, I’ve found little difference between political parties in the Republic of Ireland. Too often, party interests overshadow the real needs of the people. As an independent Cllr, I remain steadfast in my commitment to genuine and honest Political representation. In the words of Plato, “The worst form of justice is pretend justice.”
🖼 Cllr Frank McBrearty Jnr serves as an Independent Councillor on Donegal County Council.
