Councillors exercised reserved function to allow labour co-option

Donegal County Council says Elected Members had to exercised a reserved function to allow Labour co-opt Councillor Michael McBride on to Donegal County Council.
This was in reponse to Letterkenny Solicitor Dessie Sheils – he quoted council legislation which deems the cooption against the rules.
Councillor McBride replaced now Senator Jimmy Harte on the council, but Senator Harte was elected as an independent, legislation indicates he must be replaced be a non-party person.
Councillors over ruled this.