31 December 2011

Countdown........



We are in the last hours of 2011 and Somerton's Old Guard have made it a year to forget. Lets hope that 2012 brings some clarity and closure. Maybe the Old Guard will find the courage to admit their mistakes and face up to the realities of their misdeeds. That would indeed be something to celebrate in the New Year.


Till 2012, I'm still Niall Connolly

22 December 2011

We're winding down for the traditional festivities so, until we return in 2012, Muck&Brass would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a safe New Year. May 2012 bring you everything you need and want.


And remember, don't you go where the huskies go................

15 December 2011

Another investigation.............






Members of Somerton's community were shocked to learn at this week's Council Meeting, that yet another investigation is to be launched into the activities of Somerton Town Council. Coming hard on the heels of the news that the current investigation could cost as much as €18,000,000 euros, the news of this new development stunned the audience.

Muck&Brass can announce that the investigation is to be undertaken by none other than mustachiod lothario and international trouble-shooter Inspector Gary Raybouldi. Inspector Raybouldi sprang to world attention when he solved the infamous 'Colonel Mustard and the lead pipe' murder case in the sleepy Cotswold village of Waddington.

Speaking in his softest Corsican burr, Inspector Raybouldi was quick to declare a personal and prejudicial interest in the investigation given the fact that he had been personally involved with Somerton Town Council at the time of what is known as the 'crockery scandal'. He went on to explain that he would leave no stone unturned in his efforts to unmask the gang, known locally as 'the old guard', who he believes were the masterminds behind the 'crockery scandal'. 

Speaking privately to Muck&Brass, Inspector Raybouldi explained that his investigation would be entirely independent and unbiased, guaranteeing the people of Somerton something that he described as 'a whitewash'.

An un-named source in Inspector Raybouldi's office provided the diagram below which was claimed to explain Inspector Raybouldi's strategy.


Till next time, I'm not George Dixon.

2 December 2011

How does your Council measure up...........


Recently it was suggested to me that I look at the website for the Committee on Standards in Public Life and pay particular attention to their 'Seven Principles' which I reproduce below. When the Auditor's Report in the Public Interest is finally produced, I will send a copy of it to Sir Christopher Kelly and seek his view on the standards set by Somerton's Town Council in the Keenan/Canvin era.


The Seven Principles of Public Life

The Committee believes that 'Seven Principles of Public Life' should apply to all in the public service. These are:
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.