Cr McGrady was defending the need for uranium mining in Queensland after presentations by key speakers Dr Bill Williams and campaigner Dave Sweeney at an anti-uranium meeting held at the Irish Club.

The key speakers respectfully listened to Cr McGrady's views but a man sitting in front of the mayor angrily accused him of speaking political propaganda.

The normally stoic Cr McGrady appeared frustrated and shaken by the confrontation and Anti-Nuclear campaign co-ordinator Mark Bailey was urged by audience members to tell the heckler to show respect for the Mount Isa Mayor.

Mount Isa Senior Sergeant Graham Boyd said police were evaluating the need for police attendance at future events.

``We are working out a response for the second meeting when they have it, just to keep the peace,'' Senior Sergeant Boyd said.

One of Cr McGrady's key points during the meeting was that uranium mining would provide 300 jobs in Mount Isa and a further 300 in the Gulf of Carpentaria if construction of uranium mines were permitted.

Attendee David Nunnery described the outburst as ``an ambush'' against Cr McGrady.

``He [the heckler] had his own agenda that had nothing to do with the uranium debate,'' Mr Nunnery said.

``He never asked them [the speakers] one question.'' 

Mr Nunnery said he was disappointed with the chairman's inability to control the meeting.

He said that when he questioned the panel on the ``selective science'' of their presentation he was requested to speak to them privately.

Mr Nunnery said the uranium debate should remain objective.

``It should remain objective to both sides, to offer contrasting views and it will bring enlightenment to people,'' he said.