An insult to local democracy in Mayo and beyond

by Auld Stock

SOME years ago the government at the time decided to abolish Town Councils and Town Commissioners.

The decision was an insult to the people of Ireland and a bodyblow to local democracy.

We must keep our eyes on the ball.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has warned the public that municipal authorities could also be given the chop if some legislators have their way.

Castlebar, Ballina and Westport have all suffered greatly with the abolition of their councils.

Local councillors had their ears to the ground and were conscious of the many problems affecting their areas.

We can only hope that some future government will have the sense to bring back local councils.

Liamy MacNally and Tom Flynn, Westport, have spoken out strongly of the need to bring back our councils.

Both men are proud of their local community and appreciate the urgent need for a return of councils throughout Ireland.

There was much excitement in Castlebar when local elections were held in 1979.

Fine Gael did well. The party won a majority on Mayo County Council.

Fine Gael also polled well in the local elections in Castlebar.

The new chairman of the Urban Council was Frank Durcan. He took over from his party colleague, Martin Hopkins.

Christy Fitzgerald (FF), Liam Coady (FG) and Christy Tynan (FG) were the newcomers elected.

John Henaghan, Johnny Mee, Jude Ainsworth and Martin Hopkins were all returned to office to serve the people of Castlebar for the following five years.

Local democracy was working well in Castlebar and other towns throughout Ireland in those years.