02-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘What are we, a Carry On movie?' – Galway council vote on chains of office leaves members perplexed
The 'chain of office protocol' was put forward for a vote amongst councillors, proposing that ceremonial procedures were followed during meetings in Municipal Districts across the county.
The proposal would involve the wearing of ceremonial chains, which would come at a cost of thousands of euros for their purchase and restoration.
Traditionally, the wearing of the Council Chain of Office 'acknowledges the responsibilities, authority and dignity attached to the office of Cathaoirleach of the county.'
The Cathaoirleach has a right to wear the Council Chain of Office at any official events in the county when acting in an official capacity.
The proposal would see the chairperson of each Municipal District in the county wear and be responsible for the safekeeping of the chains, which have not been used since 2014 when town councils were abolished.
Additionally, the cost of sourcing Cathaoirleach chains for each of the Municipal Districts could cost around €25,000.
Councillors were given the opportunity to voice their viewpoints on the proposal before a vote was taken.
Cllr Declan Geraghty said, 'I don't agree that we need a chain, I think it is a waste of taxpayers' money. What are we, a Carry On Movie?' before advising that the proposal is rejected.
A vote was then taken, however confusion arose when councillors were asked to cast their vote on the counter-motion, which would be to reject the purchase of the chains.
The question caused titters and giggles within the chambers as councillors were left perplexed over what exactly the vote was asking and indeed, why they were answering the counter-motion rather than the motion itself.
