Code of conduct

Sir, – The Code of Conduct for Councillors in Ireland states that there is a “statutory duty on all in the local government service to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest”. It goes on to say that councillors must abide by the code and “act in a way that enhances public trust and confidence”.

A Kerry county councillor has lost an appeal against his convictions for a serious assault where the victim suffered a broken nose, which required two operations (News, October 6th). For the public and for the people of Kerry, the question now would appear to be, what happens next?

Under the Local Government Act, 1972, disqualification arises only when the councillor involved is serving a custodial sentence exceeding six months. Contrast that with the UK, where the threshold is three months, regardless of whether the sentence was suspended or not.

It begs the question as to why our public representatives are not called to account under the law when their behaviour falls short of what is acceptable, given the important responsibilities they have been elected to carry out. – Yours, etc,