The prospect of its inaugural national election early in the new year has Beef Plan Movement members all hot and bothered.

It seems that some unauthorised WhatsApp groups were set up over Christmas, without the express approval of either of the Beef Plan national committee co-chairs Eamon Corley and Hugh Doyle.

The pair have alleged that unauthorised WhatsApp group founders may have done so to further their election prospects and plan amendments to be tabled at county-level AGMs this month.

Corley and Doyle describe the moves as very serious disciplinary instances and want to restrict its county WhatsApp network until after the AGMs “to avoid confusion” and “ensure all AGMs take place in accordance with the rules and governance of Beef Plan”.

Internal investigation

An internal investigation is planned and “appropriate disciplinary measures” will be taken against anyone involved, they said.

I’m told that Galway is a hotbed of political angst, with the county chair Kevin O’Brien and the regional vice-chair Eoin Donnelly at loggerheads over the upcoming election and rules.