FF REACTION:McCARTHY report proposals to reduce the number of local authorities would be "a major blow to our democratic system of government", according to Fianna Fáil senator Ned O'Sullivan.
The Kerry-based senator and former councillor pledged in a statement that he would “be actively organising resistance” to the proposals within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party and among town and county councillors.
“As a public representative with almost a quarter-century experience in local government, I am totally opposed to the Bord Snip proposals that town councils be abolished and that certain county/ city councils be amalgamated.”
Mr O’Sullivan continued: “I believe these proposals are a non-starter politically and I will be actively organising resistance to them within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party and among my former council colleagues, both at county and town level.
“The proposals, if implemented, would be a major blow to our democratic system of government. They would pose a threat to the principle of regional representation and in particular, they would constitute another body blow to rural Ireland where we have experienced a huge erosion of essential services and supports.
“It is quite unclear where the savings are to be made as a result of the proposals. The annual budget for most town councils is very modest.”