Shock as Irish Mayor is branded an ‘asshole’ by fellow town councillor

Bundoran Town Council proceedings stooped to a new low on Tuesday when the Mayor, Cllr. Michael McMahon, was branded “an asshole” by council colleague, Cllr. Florence Doherty. The outburst occurred while members were considering the Draft Fraud and Corruption Policies for Donegal Local Authorities.

There was a general consensus that the Draft Policies should be approved without discussion but Cllr. Florence Doherty felt the issue merited further discussion. She said: “I think this is very important. There seems to be very little here outlining the procedure for follow up of issues raised at meetings. I think this document should also make it clear that members should make clear their hidden agendas, their cronies and their vested interests, to protect whistle blowers.”



Mayor McMahon said there was no need for discussion, as there had been a proposal to adopt the policies and this had been seconded. He added: “Thank God this country doesn’t need whistle blowers.” Cllr. Doherty retorted, “Of course it does, you asshole.” The Mayor said: “Isn’t that lovely?”.

Other councillors suggested that he formally discipline Cllr. Doherty but he declined and refused to comment any further. Speaking on local radio, Cllr. Doherty refused to withdraw the insult, and repeated the word four times live on air again, branding him an “asshole”. Cllr Doherty, however, did offer an apology to the people of Bundoran who elected the Mayor.