‘Stay out of Leitrim!’ — Councillor Paddy O’Rourke blasts Sligo's Michael Clarke in radio row

A war of words has erupted between Leitrim Fianna Fáil Councillor Paddy O’Rourke and Sligo Independent Councillor Michael Clarke following a fiery on-air exchange on Ocean FM’s Northwest last week.

Talking to the Observer following his radio interview Cllr O’Rourke blasted his Sligo counterpart for “telling downright lies” and “commenting on things he doesn’t understand,” after Clarke declared he intends to contest the next general election and “won’t be kept out of Leitrim.”

“He told a downright lie six weeks ago when he said there were no grants available for elderly or disabled people in Sligo-Leitrim. That was 100% incorrect,” O’Rourke said.
“He’s trying to ratchet up discontent and convince people that there’s nothing available — but he needs to stick to truth and honesty.”

Cllr O’Rourke also dismissed Clarke’s proposal to fast-track the Carrick-on-Shannon bypass through emergency measures, saying such projects “can’t just be bulldozed through overnight.”

“It has to be carefully planned so it doesn’t run roughshod over people’s rights,” he said.

But Cllr Clarke hit back immediately, branding O’Rourke’s comments “unfair and unfounded.”

“Paddy wasn’t well-informed — I actually complimented Councillor Bohan for persuading Leitrim Fianna Fáil members to support Maria Steen,” he said. “I presented my arguments based on facts, and I stand over them.”

Cllr Clarke said his criticism of political gatekeeping was about ensuring that all voices were heard, not about attacking Leitrim councillors.

“All minorities should be kept in the political system. If we exclude people, they’ll get militant. We need a more inclusive democracy,” he said.

He also defended his strong connection to Leitrim, rejecting suggestions that he is “outsider meddling.”

“I’m in Leitrim twice a week. I own land in Jamestown, my son has two businesses in Carrick-on-Shannon, and people from Leitrim contact me daily about farming, passports and health issues,” Clarke said. “I intend to run again so they’ll have a voice.”

The Sligo councillor confirmed he will stand again in Sligo–Leitrim in the next General Election, saying he came within a whisker of a seat last time out.

“I got over 1,000 votes in Leitrim alone. People are contacting me now saying, ‘I’m sorry I didn’t know you better last time — I’ll vote for you next time.’ That’s encouraging,” he added.

Cllr Clarke also reiterated his demand for urgent infrastructure delivery, claiming government bureaucracy is holding the west back.

“We can’t let snails or frogs hold up the Carrick bypass. It needs to be done now,” he said. “If we wait another ten years, it’ll cost a billion instead of a quarter-billion. Get it done while we can afford it.”

He outlined further plans for major rail investment across the west, including the Tuam–Claremorris line and a new Sligo–Letterkenny route.

“If we’re serious about climate change, we have to get people onto trains and off the roads,” he said.

O’Rourke, however, said Clarke’s approach was politically motivated.

“He’s long enough on the council to know that’s not how it works,” O’Rourke said. “Every time I mention his name, it’s publicity — and there’s only one thing worse than people talking about you: if they’re not talking about you.”

The heated exchange has shone a spotlight on rising political tension between Sligo and Leitrim representatives, as both councillors position themselves ahead of the next general election.

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