Limerick councillors hit out at Mayor’s 'act of political cowardice'

CATHAOIRLEACH of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, Councillor Daniel Butler, has hit out at Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, for handing over “all powers and responsibilities relating to Limerick’s Christmas programme to the Director General of Limerick City and County Council.” 

He strongly described the move as “an act of political cowardice.” 

Speaking on behalf of Fine Gael Metropolitan councillors, Cllr Butler said that this has “further jeopardised preparations, placing at risk the successful delivery of the Christmas programme which is so vital for the people, businesses, and communities of Limerick.

“This is nothing more than a calculated attempt by the Mayor to shirk responsibility and avoid blame if the Christmas programme does not succeed.”

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The Metropolitan council is represented by Fine Gael councillors; Daniel Butler, Peter Doyle, Daniel McSweeney, Olivia O’Sullivan and Sarah Kiely.

Councillors added: “By delaying until now, he has only deepened uncertainty and undermined public confidence in the process.”

Fine Gael Metropolitan Councillors emphasised that, despite the Mayor’s abdication of duty, they remain fully committed to working constructively with the Council Executive to ensure the programme is delivered in full.

“We want to assure the people of Limerick that Fine Gael Councillors will now do everything possible to support the Executive and make sure this Christmas is celebrated properly. The people deserve leadership, not excuses.”#

Meanwhile, Príomh-chomlairleoir Councillor Catherine Slattery, who is also leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the Metropolitan district, said that it's very disappointing that the executive and the mayor's office are not working together for Christmas events. 

Speaking to Limerick Live, she said: "Since the Directly Elected Mayor came into council, to me, it doesn't seem like things are working out.

"Councillors are left out in the dark. We didn't know until today that it's looking like Christmas in Limerick is going to be a very poor offering, unless the executive and the mayor step in at this late stage and turn it around. 

"I am on the sub-committee of Christmas in Limerick. While we did agree on some festivities which is lovely, at the moment, we don't know where we stand with a Santa Claus in the city centre, which is vital for the people of Limerick."

She added: "We can't have everything on the outskirts - we need to have something in the city centre for people." 

Cllr Slattery also argued that the festivals and events office is under-resourced and that they are "trying to do everything." 

"We are the people on the ground, and we are the ones who will get in the neck from the citizens of Limerick - not the mayor," Cllr Slattery told Limerick Live. 

Limerick Live has contacted the mayor’s office for a comment.