Councillors in Galway are hoping for a peaceful New Year, with behind-the-scenes negotiations in full swing to heal the rift between Mayor Tom Costello and Councillor Catherine Connolly.

Councillors Billy Cameron and Padraig Conneely are currently brokering a peace deal between their fellow councillors in the hope that a reconciliation can be achieved before the next council meeting, due to take place on 14 January.

The former party colleagues have been at war since Cllr Connolly refused to apologise for remarks she made at a council meeting last month. During a heated exchange, Cllr Connolly called the mayor "rude" and "ignorant". Although she later withdrew her comments, the mayor has refused to include her in council proceedings until she makes a formal apology.

Following the turning-on of Christmas lights at Carrowbrowne halting site, Cllrs Cameron and Conneely met with the mayor at a city hotel where they prepared the wording of an acceptable apology. This is to be put to Cllr Connolly in the coming days in the hope that the dispute can be put aside and normal service resumed.

"We have met with the mayor and sat him down to talk about the situation. He was very forthcoming and reasonable and we are now going to approach Cllr Connolly and hope that she applies the same reason. She has to realise that there is a certain decorum that has to be met in the chamber and I would be confident of a resolution between the two," said Cllr Conneely.

Cllr Connolly has previously said that she would not apologise to Mayor Costello as she had already withdrawn her comments "unreservedly" and appealed to the mayor to "have broader vision and get on with council business ".

"I have withdrawn my comments unreservedly, which is more than most people do. The people of Galway were poisoned by the water and the city manager did not apologise. I don't know what else the mayor wants from me!" she said.

Mayor Costello responded by saying it was not a personal dispute and he only wished for Cllr Connolly to apologise the office of the chair, as she must have respect for the position of mayor.

If Cllr Connolly does not apologise, she will have to refrain from attending the next council meeting, due to take place on 14 January.

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