Mini-storm over mini-skirt remark in council chamber

A JOKE about mini-skirts created a mini-storm at today's annual meeting of Mayo County Council.

While lauding outgoing cathaoirleach Al McDonnell (FF) for his succinct, eloquent, speeches over the past year, Councillor Martin McLoughlin (FF) unwittingly stepped on the toes of Councillor Therése Ruane.

Addressing his party colleague, Councillor McLoughlin said: “Your speeches reminded me of the miniskirt in the 1970s – short enough to be interesting, long enough to cover the essentials.”

Outraged by the comment, CouncIllor Ruane remarked: “I don't think it is funny, I am sorry.”

She went on to brand the councillor's remarks as 'disgraceful' and 'inappropriate'.

“Here we are talking about trying to get more women into politics.”

Councillor Annie May Reape (FF) took a milder view of the comment stating she believed the councillor spoke in jest and did not mean anything by what he said.

Councillor Gerry Ginty (Ind) said he did not think Councillor McLoughlin meant what he said to be sexist or hurtful but added that the council chamber was not a place for comedy.

“Leave the comedy to Brendan Grace and people like that,” he advised.

The final word on the miniskirt issue went to the chief executive, Peter Hynes .

He said he knew Councillor McLoughlin to be “an absolute gentleman.'

He added that comments made by Councillors Ruane and Ginty were “very important and point to a direction in which this council should be going.”

Full story in tomorrow's (Tuesday) print edition of the Connaught Telegraph.