A question on notice from Mayor Michael Britten had councillors Russell Fitzpatrick and Tony Allen fuming over “blatant lies” and “a sad day for democracy”.

Cr Britten had asked the pair to justify their apparent view a marina is in Eden’s best economic interests, rather than a wharf extension and safe harbour to accommodate more cruise liners.

At Wednesday’s charged meeting, the councillors reiterated their claims they support both projects.

Cr Britten admitted afterwards he may not have phrased the question well, but was satisfied Crs Fitzpatrick and Allen had answered concerns over their level of support for the development of Eden wharf.

Earlier in the meeting, Cr Fitzpatrick had spoken with emotion clear in his voice of his ongoing efforts for the Eden wharf.

Cr Allen echoed those statements saying he “resented the implications of the mayor’s question”, but was quickly shut down by Cr Britten when he began to stray off topic during his rebuttal.

However, following those replies, several other councillors rose to make statements with thinly veiled character attacks, which, under code of meeting practice regulations, weren’t restricted to staying on topic .

“I believe it’s everyone’s right to voice an opinion,” Cr Sharon Tapscott said to the packed gallery, which included members of the Port of Eden Marina group.

“[But] for anyone to express an opinion and not expect to qualify that view...I believe displays a spectacular amount of arrogance.”

Cr Bill Taylor also “reluctantly” spoke up, pointing the finger at actions having the potential to bring the council into disrepute

He also submitted Cr Allen’s views may have been responsible for the failed merger with Bombala.

“Democracy is more than free speech, it includes respect for the rule of law,” Cr Taylor sad.

“We’ve already seen Cr Allen’s attitude to a ruling of the NSW District Court and the decision of this council,” he added, referencing the former mayor’s refusal to apologise over a conduct complaint levelled last year.

“An attack on democracy? I don’t think so – it’s more an attack of hypocrisy. It’s time to make a call on this behaviour and raise our standards.”

Cr Kristy McBain asked councillors to “put personalities aside and move on”.