Executive decision branded 'an obscenity'

A DECISION to recommend the continued employment of a temporary chief executive has been branded an 'obscenity'.

The council's policy and resources committee last week recommended the continued employment of Michael Docherty as interim chief executive and Philip Lucas as leisure services director.

The decision was made along orange and green lines of seven to three, in favour of maintaining the status quo, albeit it with reduced working days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The recommendation will go forward to a full council meeting on May 17 when all councillors will have their say on the matter.

Councillor Dolores Kelly said the decision to put forward the recommendation was 'rail-roaded' by the unionist parties.

She said: "At the committee meeting we asked for the alternatives to be considered and their costing.

"A full-time chief executive position would cost around 93,000 a year plus employer contributions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We asked for the council to consider two other options, either using existing directors to act up or using directors from Armagh and Banbridge councils - which Craigavon has been partnered with - to act on a rotational basis.

"Those options would cost a few thousand pounds rather than hundreds of thousands."

She continued: "The SDLP asked about costs and if Mr Docherty was performing in the job, whereas the unionist parties just voted through the decision.

"The unionist parties asked no questions and gave no consideration to Mr Docherty's performance, his costs or the alternatives available.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Yet at grass roots level in the council the people who handle bin collections, street cleaning, play areas and parks are being asked to reduce costs by two per cent. It's an obscenity.

"There are a number of questions to be asked and answers need to be given to the ratepayer and I want this matter discussed openly at the full council meeting on May 17."

According to the council Mr Docherty's salary and expenses came to 'just under 126,000' - something the SDLP councillor refutes.

"The council has been less than forthcoming with the ratepayer over the cost of the interim chief executive," said Councillor Kelly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The council has said the cost is not 136,000 as reported in the press but just under 129,000 - but they are not including VAT in that figure.

A council spokeswoman said Mr Docherty's salary and expenses were no more than 129,000 for the past financial year.

He is effectively agency staff and does not get paid when he is not working.

In a statement the council said: “For 2009/2010 employing Mr Docherty including salary, accommodation and other expenses cost just under 129,000.

“Mr Docherty is employed through an agency and it is a matter of confidentiality between that agency and Mr Docherty as to what he receives per day but he does not receive 600 per day.”

Related topics: