New TD criticised by former colleagues for 'misinformation'
Paul Lawless speaks at the count centre in the Royal Theatre in Castlebar after he was elected to Dáil Éireann. Picture: Michael McLaughlin
One of Mayo’s newly elected TDs has come under fire from former colleagues in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District for "taking credit" for recent works to alleviate ongoing issues at a homeless accommodation centre in Ballinrobe.
Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien said Aontú TD Paul Lawless, who was not present at the meeting, had been "on the airwaves" claiming to have played a key role in recent developments at the Railway Inn, including the provision of CCTV. However, Cllr O'Brien claimed the work was done by Cllr Damien Ryan, Cllr Michael Burke and himself.
“I’m disappointed for the amount of work that I put in and didn’t get any credit. I didn’t want credit, we were there to solve a problem, not create one.”
“Unfortunately, that’s the sort of representation that seems to do well,” he said.
Cllr Burke said there is a lot of factually incorrect information online these days.
“There is misinformation online that any keyboard warrior can post up a report on. Fair play to our local media for writing in a balanced and professional way.
“We worked hard on this issue in our town and the issue was rejigged to say that one person was responsible for solving this problem.”
Cllr Damien Ryan echoed these comments.
“A lot of stuff went up on social media claiming credit for work that the three councillors in Ballinrobe sat around the table to solve,” he said.
Cllr Alma Gallagher also took umbrage with "local representatives" taking credit for work that was done with the backing of herself and her predecessor Cllr John Cribbin.
“Some local reps took credit for a lot of the work that I have done in Ballyhaunis,” she said. “I cannot believe they would have the audacity to claim credit. Let’s call it what it is, populism.”
However, Cllr Richard Finn took exception to some of the comments.
“It is very disingenuous for people to come out talking about misinformation and about speaking carefully. When I was chair of the council, an issue arose in Claremorris over a fracas that took place in the town. A meeting came to a halt because of the concerns of a councillor from Ballinrobe and I don’t hear much said carefully on this occasion.
“We solved our own problems in Claremorris and didn’t get involved in other town's affairs.”
