AS many as 700 people crammed into the grandstand at the Murwillumbah Showground this afternoon to protest against the sacking of Tweed Shire Council's general manager David Keenan.

Many sporting T-shirts with the slogan "Keep Keenan," they also waved placards saying "Goodbye Barry" (Tweed Mayor), "Drug test councillors" and "Bring back GM Keenan."

President of the Murwillumbah and District Business Chamber, Toni Zuschke claims due process was not followed in the sacking.

"I'd swallow it if the decision was unanimous," she told My Daily News.

"There was no mediation, no resolve.

"This is a case of suspicion born out of a lack of trust."

Cr Carolyn Byrne criticised Mayor Barry Longland's ability as a leader.

"I am still dumbfounded about what happened and why," she told the crowd.

"I've never seen someone (David Keenan) treated so badly.

"Let the man do his job before you knock him down."

Cr Longland said he had spoken about the sacking to those concerned.

He said he welcomed an investigation in to the GM's termination.

"Essentially, the majority of councillors lost confidence in the general manager," he said.

"A lawful resolution of the council has been made."

Cr Longland said he realised not everyone would be happy about the decision.

"We needed to act in the best interest of the Tweed Shire," he said.

"At the same time, while I don't agree with the motivation behind today's rally, I defend people's right to do so.

"After all, we are a democracy."