Cllrs reflect on tradition of prayer before meetings

For the second time in nine years Meath county councillors are faced with a question of whether they should hold onto their 100-year-old tradition of having a prayer recited at the start of their meetings or whether to change it to “a moment of silent reflection”.

Social Democrat Cllr Ronan Moore asked councillors at last week’s monthly meeting to make the start of the meetings “more inclusive” by changing to the reflection. His notice of motion, deferred from the February meeting of the council, sparked an impassioned debate on Monday with some councillors implacably opposed to any change while others indicated that the council gatherings were “business meetings” and that prayer did not have a place there.

Independent Cllr Joe Bonner said that while he was in favour of retaining the prayer, he was seconding Cllr Moore’s motion simple to give him an opportunity of having it debated.

Cllr Moore said that anyone who had grown up in rural Ireland understood the importance that faith played in so many people’s lives. Having spent a number of years working in West Africa with Trocaire, he understood this doubly so.

As a result he appreciated that for some, having the prayer read out to commence the meeting helped them appreciate the importance of their role as local councillors and to leave the world outside and don the clothes of an elected representative.

“However, I also recognise that for others this does not offer the same opportunity to reflect. This motion asks that we retain time at the start of our meetings to appreciate the importance of our role as elected representatives. But, by making this period a minute of silent pause it will make this reflection more inclusive, guaranteeing everyone gets to enjoy this equality, whether that is by saying prayer to themselves or by holding on to some other thought”.

Fine Gael Cllr Noel French said that while he welcomed Cllr Moore’s motion for more inclusivity, he was “totally against” the proposed removal of the prayer. “We have a long Christian tradition in this country and I welcome it being part of our meetings. It is an important part of our heritage and community and has to be respected and valued for what it is.

“I absolutely agree with more religious inclusivity with regard to the council. Rather than throw out something which is valued and replacing it with something else I think we should add to it as the world changes. We have more faiths now and they are all to be respected and included. So I would rather see an investigation into ways of including all religions in a meaningful council event. This is what I put to the chief executive, the meetings administrator and party whip three years and two years ago”.

Cllr Emer Tóibín said that the best solution was to have the prayer but to also have a moment of reflection. Cllr Nick Killian agreed, saying that there was a long tradition there. He thought the meetings administrator could be asked to devise appropriate wording that would suit everyone.

Fine Gael Cllr Sharon Tolan said that she supported Cllr Moore’s motion. She said that she was a Catholic and believed in her faith but she believed that “my faith is my business”. When the councillors came to the council chamber they came to do business on behalf of the people. The council meetings were business meetings and the councillors did not have to bring their faith into it. Cllr Gillian Toole said that she agreed with Cllr Tóibín who had suggested a “hybrid wording” that would be respectful to everyone. Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said he felt there was room for both a prayer and reflection. Cllr Brian Fitzgerald said he was “totally opposed” to Cllr Moore’s motion. The prayer was part of their tradition and culture and had gone on for 100 years in the council. He said he did not think it right that the motion should be brought in at this particular time.

An amendment to the motion, that the matter be referred to the council’s protocol committee was agreed by 18 voted to 12.