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By Tom Kelly Disciplinary action is unlikely to be taken against Mayo County Councillor John Flannery for opposing the Fine Gael party whip at the estimate meeting of the authority on Monday. The Charlestown councillor went against party lines by tabling a proposal that £40,000 be set aside for an extended programme of maintenance of the council's housing stock. The proposal was defeated by 25 votes to three, with independent Mr. Padraig Cosgrove and Mr. Richard Finn backing Mr. Flannery. However members of the Fine Gael party were furious by Mr. Flannery's action. According to Mr. Michael Burke, chairman of the party's county council members, it was 'highly unlikely' that Mr. Flannery would be expelled for his actions. "Nobody has been expelled for a very long time. The matter will only become an issue if it is placed on the agenda for our next committee meeting." It is understood Mr. Eddie Staunton, party whip, is responsible for compiling the agenda. Members of Mayo County Council struck a rate of £45.75 in the pound, a hike of £1.33 on last year's figure. The increase represents a three per cent increase on last year and was one per cent short of what Mayo County Manager Mr. Des Mahon had sought when he produced his estimate of accounts for approval. Members also cut back on the refuse charge figure sought by Mr. Mahon. He had been seeking an increase of £15, but was forced to settle for a £10 jump. The increase brings the new refuse charge to £90. The rate was proposed by Mr. Eddie Staunton, Fine Gael whip, and seconded by Mr. Stephen Molloy, Fianna Fail whip. Independent councillors Mr. Padraig Cosgrove and Mr. Richard Finn opposed the striking of the rate as proposed. Mr. Pat Kilbane, chairman, was praised for compl;eting the estimates in 'record time'. |
