“This form of cronyism is undemocratic and it needs to change”
The Mayoral election, which is taking place this evening, is something of a farce because the result has already been decided by Councillors before the votes are even cast, let alone counted.
Independent Councillor Paddy McQuillan, whilst he congratulates the latest incumbents in the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, and wished them well for the coming year, has also expressed his frustrations at the current system for electing the first citizen of our great town.
In a statement issued to local media earlier today Councillor McQuillan said:
“What we have now is a system where pacts are entered into on the day local elections are counted as quid pro quo for further back scratching down the road” he said.
“This form of cronyism is undemocratic and it needs to change. Passing the chains of office to each other in backstage deals that deliberately exclude other elected members of the council needs to stop.
“The chains of office of the mayor and deputy mayor of Drogheda are not the property of any individual or political party to pass around as they see fit. They are the property of the people of Drogheda and they are paid for by the tax payer.
“The people of Drogheda are well aware of how this pact system works and many of them want to see a more equal and inclusive system in place.
“Can it be changed? That is the million dollar question. In order for it to be changed it has to be agreed by all elected representatives that it needs to change.
“The pact system has been in place for so long that the standard response to any challenge is “that’s the way it’s done”. Some want it to stay. They are happy to hand the chains around in return for political gains and status.
“But there are fairer alternatives worthy of considering for an honourable and responsible post of first citizen. The D’Hondt system (see explainer video below) is one of proportional representation that is democratic. Others have suggested that the mayor is voted and added to the ballot on voting day.
“Another suggestion would be offering the honourable post depending on the percentage of votes attained in the local election. The top five seats are awarded to the mayor for the fiveyear term while the second five seats are awarded to the deputy mayor. At least with this approach the mayor reflects somewhat of the preferences of the voting public.
“Secret pacts are unfair and undemocratic and unworthy of the honour and importance of this post for Drogheda. In order for it to change, all elected representatives must want to work together to change it. If not we will continue as we are with individuals, some of whom were not elected by the people, handing the chains to and fro excluding democratically elected representatives from their Game of Chains. Cronyism has no place in modern politics.”
