A Letterkenny Town Council discussion on the government’s commitment to funding the A5 between Aughnacloy and Derry became sidetracked last night when Labour Cllr Jimmy Harte and Fianna Fail Cllr Dessie Larkin became embroiled in a pre-election argument.
The issue had been raised by Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle, who suggested the council seek a meeting with the Transport Minister to ensure that connecting roads in Donegal are developed at the same time.
However, Cllr Harte and Cllr Larkin became embroiled in a political argument with Cllr Larkin referring to Cllr Harte as a friend of the banks, before commenting “I forgot you’re a Socialist now”
Faced with the threat of an adjournment, Cllr Larkin withdrew the comments, but questioned Labour’s commitment to the project.
Cllr Harte said he would accept no lectures from Fianna Fail:
Cllr Larkin says he accepts that pre-election tensions did creep into the meeting, but on the issue of the A5, there is no question about Fianna Fail’s commitment to the A5.
He says despite Cllr Harte’s concerns about funding availability, the money will be available when the main construction phase is ready to begin
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