The temporary chief executive ofMid and East Antrim Borough Councilhas indicated it will pursue “legal guidance” if a councillor does not issue an apology during a tense council meeting.
Valerie Watts, who took on the role in 2022 on a temporary basis, mentioned she might consult with a lawyer during Monday’s monthly council meeting.Ballymenawhile council members debated the operating times of the recycling facility.
A conflict emerged followingAllianceCouncillor Aaron Skinner from Carrickfergus suggested a proposal for the council to review the possibility of reopening the borough’s recycling centres on Sundays.
The final recycling facility in the area that provided Sunday hours transitioned to a schedule limited to weekdays and evenings in April.
The motion proposed by the Alliance requested an assessment, urging the local authority to implement measures to reopen recycling centers on Sundays, and to consider other possibilities such as closing during midweek if financial reductions were needed.
The situation grew strained following an amendment to the motion – proposed byUUPCouncillor Roy Beggs – was discussed, to incorporate a cost breakdown for ratepayers if Sunday openings were reintroduced, and to detail the extent of restrictions if midweek closures occurred.
Mr Skinner mentioned the conduct of the chief executive and another senior director throughout the amendment process, and indicated that responses to procedural questions were not given by Ms Watts.
In a passionate reply, Ms Watts spoke to Mr Skinner and said: “I cannot accept your remarks, especially regarding me personally tonight, and I will definitely be asking you for an apology in this matter.”
And if the apology isn’t given, I will seek personal legal guidance on this, as you have definitely accused me of something I didn’t commit.
As Mr Skinner replied, reiterating his view that the questions were not adequately answered, other council members could be heard shouting for his apology.
Ms Watts mentioned she would “consider” the Alliance councillor’s reply.
I will return, even if it’s just for a moment, and I will definitely, as I always do, examine my own actions and remarks before proceeding with anything else, but I believe I did respond to your questions, and I was not intentionally avoiding any of the answers.
I wanted to confirm that we provided the correct responses, and that the guidance followed was appropriate. Nevertheless, in the interest of maintaining professionalism and advancing tonight’s agenda, could we proceed to the vote now?
The revised plan received support from local representatives.
Ms Watts, who once served as the chief executive of the Health and Social Care Board,assumed her position in 2022 following the departure of the previous acting chief executive, Mark Parkinsonfollowing just three weeks because of poor health.
The council’s long-term chief executive, Anne Donaghy, was placed on leave in December 2021 while an independent inquiry looked into claims of bullying and harassment.
Her legal representative at the time stated that she rejected all unproven claims, and she alsoinitiated legal proceedings against the council citing discrimination and disability-related issues.
Ms Donaghy, who has been in the role since the establishment of the new ‘super council’ in 2015, formally stepped down in September 2023 due to health reasons.
In June, it came to light that Ms. Donaghycould face legal action for supposedly hiding documents. Her solicitor, Kevin Winters, from KRW Law, stated on her behalf that she is denying any misconduct.
