During a recent meeting of the Corporation, Alderman Daly raised concerns about the conduct of the Council’s law adviser, Mr Dundon, leading to a heated debate and accusations of impropriety. The meeting, chaired by Mayor Donnelly, witnessed an exchange of opinions regarding the involvement of Mr Dundon in a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce.
Alderman Daly began by referencing a statement he had read in the newspapers regarding a meeting held under the name of a Ratepayers’ Association, which discussed forming such an association. He clarified that the Council had no objections to the formation of such an association and welcomed their input on the city’s financial matters. However, he expressed astonishment that Mr Dundon, the Council’s law adviser, attended the meeting not as a representative of the Council but as a ratepayer seeking to influence and dictate the Corporation’s decisions.
Alderman Daly acknowledged Mr Dundon’s right to participate as a ratepayer but highlighted that Mr Dundon was a salaried official of the Corporation and should have addressed his concerns directly to the Council rather than seeking support from an association with limited authority and electoral power. He criticized Mr Dundon for attempting to influence the association’s formulation of a scheme to control municipal expenditures and potentially disrupt the Corporation’s affairs.
The alderman further questioned the appropriateness of Mr Dundon’s actions, considering his role as the Council’s law adviser, who should have alerted the Council if he believed their actions were extravagant or illegal. Alderman Daly suggested that instead of approaching the association, Mr Dundon should have tendered his resignation, expressing his disapproval of the Council’s decisions and appealing to the ratepayers of Limerick.
Alderman Daly proposed a resolution during the meeting to reduce Mr Dundon’s salary by 50%. However, Mayor Donnelly ruled that a notice of motion was required for such a resolution to be considered. Alderman Daly subsequently submitted a notice of motion to address the issue at a future meeting.
In response to the accusations, Mr Dundon sought an opportunity to clarify his intentions. He explained that he attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting as a member of the Chamber and as a ratepayer, not as a representative of the Ratepayers’ Association. Mr Dundon emphasized that his purpose was to present a scheme aimed at benefiting the labouring classes by providing better housing options without harming any individuals or the Corporation’s employees.
He clarified that his speech at the Chamber of Commerce meeting was not an attempt to coerce or dictate to the Council but rather a genuine effort to improve the living conditions of the city’s less wealthy residents. Mr Dundon emphasized his commitment to the welfare of the city and his desire to fight for the scheme he proposed during the upcoming municipal elections.
The debate concluded with Mayor Donnelly’s decision not to accept Alderman Daly’s resolution without notice of motion. This contentious issue is expected to be further discussed and deliberated upon during a future meeting of the Corporation.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 June 1904
