Bree: 'future of Sligo Labour Party at stake'

The future of the Labour Party in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency is at stake following the admission of former Fine Gael councillor, Alderman Jimmy McGarry, according to the organisation’s most high profile flag bearer.

In his first comment on a controversy which threatens to lead to unprecedented upheaval in the Party, former Labour TD and the organisation's longest serving public representative, Alderman Declan Bree, warns of a 'sense of betrayal and disillusionment' among the rank and file members of the Party in the constituency.

In a letter to all Party members in Sligo/Leitrim, a copy of which has been seen by local media, Ald. Bree refers to a 'crisis and dilemma' facing the Party and says he shares the concerns and dismay of members who have contacted him over the past week.

"What is now at stake is the future of the Labour Party in this constituency", he warns.

Appeal for calm

According to the letter, many members and supporters have said they no longer wish to be associated with the Party but Ald. Bree appeals for calm, urging members to take time to reflect on recent events.

"I fully understand and share the concerns and the sense of dismay and I appeal to members not to make any hasty or rash decisions. Time is needed for reflection and I would ask members to seriously consider all the alternatives in the period ahead", he says.

In the course of his letter, Ald. Bree points out that he was contacted by many members who were concerned over the number of times Ald. McGarry had voted and acted against Labour Party policies at Sligo Corporation and Sligo County Council over the last number of years.

Voting record

These included voting to impose service charges, supporting privatisation of the refuse service, passing a picket of striking SIPTU County Council workers, voting against a motion calling on the Government to halt US war planes using Shannon Airport, and voting against a motion calling on the Government to hold a referendum to insert an article of non-alignment and neutrality in the Constitution.

Clr. Bree tells members: "As one of your representatives on both Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council, I am very well aware of these facts.

"Indeed, these issues were well aired at the last meeting of the Party's Constituency Council when the majority of delegates voted to defer applications for membership from elected representatives until after the next local elections"

Proud

The letter adds: "I am proud of the fact that over the past ten years or so, our Party organisation in Sligo/Leitrim has become one of the best organised and most efficient constituency organisations West of the Shannon. That did not happen by chance. It came about as a result of a lot of effort and a lot of sacrifices by many members and supporters.

"While we have had our success and defeats, the reality is that we have achieved a lot. And we have, despite significant opposition over the years, always maintained our principles and a strong sense of purpose.

"Our values have always been important to us and it is in this context I can understand and indeed share the dilemma now facing many members and supporters.

"As we address the present crisis and consider a way forward, we must above all think about what is best for the future of the Labour movement in this area. I appreciate that important decisions must and will be made in the period ahead. I say to all members that I share your concerns. Don not act in haste. Take time to reflect", the letter concludes.