Motion makes it past airport departure gates

A COUNCILLOR’S Motion just about made it past the departure gates at Tenerife Airport in the nick of time.

Cllr Teresa Costello (FF), wanted to push through an item she had on the agenda at the May meeting – seeking the introduction of a collections agency to help single parents chase down maintenance fees.

The only problem was Ms Costello and her family were waiting to board a plane back to Dublin after a short holiday in the Canary Islands.

With just a few minutes left near the end of a three and a half hour council meeting, Cllr Costello’s Motion was up for discussion, but it did manage to pass before the gates closed – despite discussion of said item amongst members in the chamber.

Cllr Mick Duff (Lab) supported Cllr Costello but asked for an amendment to include the Dept of Children, which was agreed by Cllr Costello.

While this was being discussed, Cllr Costello interjected to say she was “running out of time” and had to go through the gate or she would “miss my flight”.

Due to the time constraints, Cllr Louise Dunne (SF) suggested moving the Motion to the next meeting. Mayor Peter Kavanagh (Ind) asked Cllr Costello if she would like to withdraw and submit next month, as the Motion would fall as soon as she had to log off the call.

The Mayor also suggested suspending Standing Orders to allow for another 10 minutes, and the extra few minutes helped to get the Motion over the line.

Speaking to The Echo this week, Cllr Costello said she apologised to council management the next day, and also spoke with her party and a number of colleagues, regarding the unusual situation, but was merely “passionate” and “eager to fulfil my obligation”.

“Would I do it again differently? Yes I would. I’d probably opt not to attend the next time or hold it off to the next meeting.

“Maybe I should have just taken a holiday and not been available,” said Cllr Costello.

“I had booked into a lounge at the airport but as the Motion was called, so was my plane.”

During the council discussion, Cllr Costello’s eyes flickered frequently towards the gate as the clock ticked on both ends of the line, but she was relieved to see the issue supported by fellow councillors.

“When we got through there was a delay before we boarded the plane.

“Look, all I can do is hold my hand up. I’m human.

“I am passionate about this issue and conscious of getting it across the line.

“I’m only a councillor for two years and eager to fulfil my obligations.

“It would be rare for someone not to be able to get in touch with me.”