Councillor Jim Codd Responds to Allegations Over Fuel Protest Motion

In a lively interview this morning, Rosslare Councillor Jim Codd addressed recent accusations surrounding his motion on the government's response to the fuel protests. The Aontú Councillor clarified that his motion was blocked after an amendment proposed by Fianna Fáil’s Councillor John Fleming was passed, which removed key language condemning the government's actions.

Cllr. Codd’s original motion called on Wexford County Council to condemn what he described as the “heavy-handed and intimidating” response by the Irish government to the fuel protests. The motion also expressed support for the protesters, praising their restraint and discipline, while urging the government to engage in meaningful, ongoing discussions.

However, the motion was amended before being put to a vote. The amendment, supported by government party members, effectively watered down the original proposal by removing the condemnation of the government’s actions.

During the interview on Morning Mix, Cllr. Codd responded to criticism from fellow councillors, particularly Councillors Leonard Kelly and Vicky Barron. Both had called on Cllr. Codd to clarify his social media post in which he claimed that councillors had not supported his motion. Cllr. Codd firmly stated, “They did not support my motion,” emphasizing the divisions on the issue.

In his response, Cllr. Codd reaffirmed his support for the fuel protesters, describing them as ordinary people caught in a difficult situation. He also called on independent TDs to withdraw their support for the government, citing the ongoing rising cost of living and the government’s handling of the protests as “not good enough.”

Councillor Vicky Barron told South East Radio she abstained from voting on the motion due to a text message that was received from one of the Rosslare protestors who warned of outside groups attempting to escalate tensions.  The message stated that the local community did not support extreme actions that could lead to violence.

The controversy surrounding the motion has highlighted the divisions among local councillors, with tensions escalating over the interpretation of the votes and the government’s response to the protests.

Listen back in full here: