Group calls for investigation into Kildare councillor

THERE has been a call for an investigation into the conduct of Kildare county councillor Tom McDonnell by local community group Newbridge For All.

Following a Kfm interview and the councillor’s social media posts last week, local group Newbridge For All (N4A) released a statement online calling on Kildare County Council to investigate McDonnell through the Ethics Committee.

The group wrote they were “shocked and dismayed” by the actions and words of cllr Tom McDonnell.

The group also called on councillors to withdraw all cooperation with the councillor, a member of the Ireland First party, until the investigation is complete, which includes no seconding his motions during council meetings.

This decision was made after cllr McDonnell made derogatory comments about migrants, muslims and LGBTQI+ people online and on Kfm with host Eoin Beatty on Friday 18 April.

Cllr McDonnell was brought on to speak about his recent meet up with UFC fighter Conor McGregor where he presented him with the constitution and a bottle of holy water at Conor’s pub, The Black Forge Inn in Walkinstown, Dublin.

When asked about this, McDonnell spoke in support of McGregor and said: “We’re in a crisis and Conor McGregor is the only one who will save this country.”

He added: “Our open borders are absolutely destroying our country ... you go into the city centre and you see its non-Irish.”

When asked if he would support Conor McGregor running for president he said: “100% I’ll support anyone who will protect our borders and out children. Open borders have led to our children being beat up, raped.”

Newbridge For All’s statement concluded with a firm call to Kildare-Newbridge elected officials.

“We believe this action by councillors is the only one which demonstrates their solidarity with LGBTQI+ people, women, people seeking safety in our community and migrants all of whom were vilified by cllr McDonnell.”