In a time of job cuts, economic downturns, increases in housing and hospital wait lists etc, the only thing interesting or newsworthy about the 'controversy' over the did they/didn't they clamping story is that it is receiving any spare ink or air time at all.

Independent City Councillor Daniel Callanan claims to have information that Galway City Councillors Padraig Conneely, John Mulholland and Tom Costello had clamps removed from their cars without paying the clamping fee. And, he has vowed not to let the matter rest, on a matter of principle, until he has answers from those involved as to whether this is the case.

Such was the scale of the 'controversy' last week, there were 'fears' that the Macnas parade would not go ahead this week because Cllr Callanan refused to let council business proceed, which meant that the council did not get to grant the license for the parade at its meeting last Monday. But, never was the parade in doubt. Never has there been so much ado about nothing. The license for the parade was subsequently granted at a meeting on Friday.

While Joe Public may feel that the 'controversy' has all the makings of a Shakespearean farce, Cllr Callanan is being incorrectly lambasted for raising the issue and demanding answers. If these councillors had clamps removed from their cars without paying the fines, they have cases to answer or at least red faces to show in public, never mind fines to pay.

Having said that, nobody is the least bit interested in putting anyone's head on the chopping block nor are we seeking a tribunal of inquiry into the incident. Fellow alleged fine renegers should follow Cllr John Mulholland's lead and admit, explain or defend themselves against the allegations, pay said alleged avoided fines if necessary and move on.

It's a sad day, even for this council, who have been at each other's throats from day one, to stoop to such a level that they are fighting in public over such a petty issue. When council meetings go live, will we be subjected to Zoo TV with squabbles over the last digestive or who paid the TV licence? Grow up and start representing us properly!

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