SPEECH: Buckley Calls for Real Local Democracy in Bandon
Issued : Thursday 10 June, 2010
SPEECH BY CLLR. GEAROID BUCKLEY
Delivered to a Meeting of Bandon Town Council
on Tuesday, 8th June, 2010
To Mark the End of his Term as Mayor of Bandon
(Check Against Delivery)
People of Bandon,
It has been a complete honour to have served as your Mayor. Born and bred in this town - Bandon is part of who I am and this opportunity has allowed me to give something back to my town.
To be the youngest Mayor of Bandon ever, as well as being the youngest Mayor in Ireland for 2010, has been both challenging and rewarding. The people I have met; the events I have attended and the fora I have been exposed to have developed my skills, knowledge base and friendships more than any school or third level qualification could have.
I thank the Council Executive team - Pat, Noel and Ray - for all their hard work and support. Council staff and workers - thank you for all the work you have done on this Council's behalf. I also thank my fellow Councillors for the time and commitment they have given Bandon over the past year.
The events that Bandon witnessed over the past 12 months have tested us - tested our willingness to come together, our community spirit and our ability to get back on our feet. The success of recent festivals and events confirm that we have passed the tests. Parts of Bandon are still reeling from the November flooding. But positive steps made by organisations within the town are turning things around and now what seemed like a mountain appears only to be like a bump in the road.
I am sure that Bandon will see many more bumps in the road ahead, especially as we delve deeper into this economic recession. However, I am confident that Bandon is equipped to deal with anything that is put in our path.
Bandon has great potential and if people continue to work together - politics, council, business and community organisations - then the potential to develop the town is enormous. The flooding and the resulting surge of community spirit; the success of the Music Festival, the commitment of people evident in the recent Think Tank, all show the potential that is there.
Bandon - We are Building.
The most pressing and overriding issue is the need to grow the town’s economy by sustaining jobs and developing new opportunities, by supporting local businesses and by meeting the social needs of the community. Although the economic crisis is largely a national issue; I believe every community holds the key to their own success. I believe that the plan currently being put together by Tadgh Fitzgibbon and Frank Lyons will prove to be essential. It is vital that every organisation in the town play their role in creating a better Bandon. The future development of the town has to be about bringing all interests groups together rather than having them working in isolation or independently of each other.
The role of Local Government and the political system is vital, and it is even more important that the people recognise this and take an active part in the governance of their town. There seems to be a notion that Town Councillors close the chamber doors and make decisions in isolation. This could not be further from the truth. The Council Chamber doors are always open and monthly meetings of Town Council are public meetings. I urge Bandonians to come and see what happens at these meetings – this is your council and your town. I am inspired by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
There are massive inequalities within local government. Some towns have planning and rating authority while many towns like Bandon are, according to the Minister’s Green Paper on Local Government, just ceremonial boards. If we are ever to achieve anything we must campaign for real power for the people of Bandon.
We must first realise that this is a national issue and cannot be achieved within the walls of this chamber. There are 28 ex-town commissioner towns. Many more urban areas have no council what so ever. The government needs to apply a one size fits all approach to each and every town. The current system is outdated. In 2007, towns such as Bandon were given a new name "Town Council", but powers have remained limited.
I made commitments to the people of Bandon last year, commitments that I will do all I can to deliver upon. For instance a swimming pool can only become a realisation for Bandon Town Council if we have control of where our Towns income is going. Establishing a real decision making Council in Bandon is essential for the development of the town. This is something I am committed and devoted to achieving. I make a promise to the people of Bandon tonight - I will exhaust every opportunity and possibility to deliver a real local democracy for you.
This Town Council faces a further four years in office and I implore its members to devise and adopt a "Program for Council". For the third time, I ask you to agree to put all our manifestos on the table, to find common ground and go forward with one unified plan.
I wish the incoming Mayor the very best for their year and offer my full support wherever it is needed.
I can assure you although this is the end of my term as Mayor; it is just the beginning for me. Thank you for the support and encouragement you have given me throughout the year.
People of Bandon - thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.
ENDS
Cllr 
