Fianna Fáil’s Seamus McDonald has this morning been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District for the next twelve months.
While the morning’s events did not see a repeat of the fireworks at the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting yesterday, proceedings were not without prickle.
Cllr McDonald replaces Fine Gael’s John King, who succeed Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken last summer.
It is the District’s first meeting since the Local Elections earlier this month, where all six sitting councillors were returned.
Cllr McDonald was proposed by his party colleague, Cllr Bracken and seconded by outgoing chair, Cllr King.
Upon Cllr McDonald’s election, Independent Cllr James Kelly spoke up, asking outgoing chair, Cllr King if there was to be a counter-proposal.
“If Seamus is to be the heir apparent to chairperson then I wish him very well,” Cllr Kelly said.
“But it’s disappointing that there is not a competition for the position – whether it’s a foregone conclusion or not – that there’s not a proposer or a seconder for that.
“33% of the valid pole (in the Local Elections) didn’t vote for Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, they voted for the other parties and for independents.
“It’s disappointing that there is no competition for the chair.”
Cllr Bracken shot back, saying the results were “the verdict of the people,” with Cllr King adding pointedly: “I suppose that’s the difference with being on a team and not on a team.”
With that to one side, Cllr McDonald took his new seat, saying it was a “great honour” to have been elected as Cathaoirleach.
“First of all, I’d like to thank my proposer and seconder; It’s a great honour be elected chairman of the Municipal District for the next 12 months,” Cllr McDonald said.
“I’m looking forward to working with all my colleagues, as well as Michelle (McCormack) and Donal (Brennan).
“A lot of work has been done in this Municipal District, and a lot of work remains to be done; but I’m sure we’ll be able to get through that work over the next five years.”
Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin and Independent Cllr Ollie Clooney offered their support and congratulations to the new chair, and were joined in doing so by Cllr Kelly.
Meanwhile, Cllr Bergin was elected to serve as Vice Chairperson of the District for the next year, having been proposed by Cllr King and seconded by Cllr Bracken.
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