The news regarding Fine Gael Mayor of Naas Darren Scully the other day was certainly one for the books. I suspect that Scully may have been trying to do what many Councillors try and do during their terms in office: say something noteworthy or controversial in a public setting that will get them national attention and press coverage. There’s always another election to be preparing for after all, even if the next Locals aren’t for several years yet. Cork Councillor Joe O’Callaghan (also a former Mayor) did this with his ridiculous attack on the burkha earlier this year, and Limerick Mayor Jim Long has also been in trouble over similar remarks in the past.
Mayor Scully, if this was what he was doing, really went just a tad too far though. I suspect he will have difficulty remaining a member of Fine Gael, let alone retaining his seat, after this. I’m fairly sure that declaring you will no longer represent a specific minority, because they are a minority, is a breach of the rules behind a public position like a Councillor or Mayor, if not a clear breach of some anti-racism or equality law.
Perhaps he was just trying to appeal to the anti-immigrant minded voter, a fringe that is far too large for my liking. They certainly exist, and I’m sure Scully has gained his vote. Of course, he’s lost a lot of others I’d wager. Appealing to that demographic is never the smartest move.
Or, maybe, Scully was just stupid, and didn’t know what a “racist” was (and that he was one). Fine Gael would do well, from a PR perspective, to turf him out as soon as possible. The guy’s a finished political prospect anyway. Dead weight. Plenty of others in the FG gene pool to call on I’m sure.
Never Felt Better 