‘Watching brief’ by Council solicitor for case involving Councillor McBrearty queried

A leading Donegal solicitor has questioned the need for Donegal County Council to send a solicitor to keep a 'watching brief' on a case involving Independent County Councillor Frank McBrearty.

Councillor McBrearty has been charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

The charge relates to an incident at Donegal County Council County House car park, The Diamond in Lifford on December 13, 2021.

The 54-year-old has also been charged that, on the same date at the same location that he did without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, wilfully prevent or interrupt the free passage of a vehicle in the said public place.

The charges relate to an incident involving another Donegal County Councillor.

The case was briefly mentioned at today's sitting of Letterkenny District Court.

Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton said he would like the case to go back to January 15, 2024 to link with all other matters.

It was noted that Dublin-based solicitor, Michael Staines, was in court to keep a ‘watching brief’ on matters for Donegal County Council.

However, solicitor for Mr McBrearty, Mr Patsy Gallagher, asked was Mr Staines in court for the ‘general citizens of Donegal’ before remarking 'it's a good use of ratepayers money’.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said solicitors were perfectly entitled to keep a watching brief.

Councillor McBrearty was not present in court for Tuesday’s hearing.