Tensions run high as new Arklow cathaoirleach elected after independent councillor steps aside

Irish Independent

19 hours ago

Tensions have been running high in the Arklow district chambers of late, with Cllr Leonard's proposal to evenly distribute discretionary funding amongst all six councillors at last month's Municipal District (MD) meeting leading to discord over the Local Property Tax vote, along with a subsequent special meeting where councillors voted to retain the current discretionary spending system.
Reconvening in the chambers at their June meeting, outgoing cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kennedy thanked his colleagues and MD staff for their 'work and commitment', before the election of his successor and their leas-cathaoirleach was opened to nominations.
Throwing her hat into the ring, Cllr Murphy's nomination was seconded by Cllr Sylvester Bourke, who called her 'an excellent councillor and a good team player', followed by Cllr Warren O'Toole's nomination of Cllr Leonard, who took home the second highest first preference public vote at last year's local elections, behind Cllr Kennedy.
Referencing last year's election of the Wicklow County Council cathaoirleach, when then leas-cathaoirleach Cllr Gail Dunne missed out on the role in a lottery after a tied vote, Cllr O'Toole said: 'From my first meeting up in Wicklow, when Cllr Dunne was treated badly, and everyone turned on him, I think it's only fitting that Cllr Leonard, as vice chair, gets the position of cathaoirleach this time'.
Interjecting, Cllr Leonard said she respected Cllr Murphy completely, adding that she doesn't 'need to be cathaoirleach, and I don't need the extra wage that goes with it either'.
'I have family and people that support me that probably thought I was going to be cathaoirleach, so I feel sad for them, but my priority is getting work done around the town and working on behalf of the community,' Leonard said.
'I'm happy to support Miriam being cathaoirleach, and remove my name. I don't want a bad feeling in the chamber, and I want to concentrate on projects that benefit the community. I don't want to be suppressed in growing projects for the community.
'I have an arts centre and The Goods Store in the works, and I'm happy to let anyone be cathaoirleach if they back these community projects.
'I don't know how long I'll remain in politics,' she continued.
'I find it a tough game, especially as an Independent. I feel I have to work a lot harder to achieve things.
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'So, if I could just have everyone's commitment to support the arts centre and The Goods Store going forward, I'm happy to support Miriam.'
After taking herself out of the running, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald commended Cllr Leonard on the 'fantastic work' she's undertaking in the town, before Cllr Murphy was presented with her chain of office and assumed her spot at the top of the table.
'I'd just like to say thank you, and I do appreciate what Peir has done,' Murphy declared.
'As she has said all along, we have worked well together. I hope that will continue, and any project in any town or village will need support from all of us together.'
Carrying out her first duty as cathaoirleach, Cllr Murphy opened the floor to nominations for leas-cathaoirleach, with Cllr Fitzgerald nominating Cllr Bourke and Cllr Leonard putting Cllr O'Toole's name forward, which he promptly withdrew, leading to Cllr Bourke's election.
Commenting after the meeting, Cllr Murphy said her election for the fourth time was 'special and also bittersweet' having lost her husband and 'number one supporter', Paul Madigan, in April and her father a year and a half ago.
'I will take great pride in representing the Arklow Municipal District in my role for the following year,' Murphy said.
'I am here to represent everybody within the district and support housing and community development in all areas.
'I would like to thank my fellow members today for supporting me in this role, and to everyone who has supported me over the last 16 years in my role as councillor.
'I feel that at the table we need to show respect to each other and work as a team in all areas for the benefit of locals in our community to make it a better place for all.'
Turning to social media after the meeting, Cllr Leonard informed followers of her non-election, adding that 'whether this is misfortune or fortune is not mine to judge – rather it is simply the outcome.
'What lies within my control is how I carry myself in its wake,' she wrote.
'I had deep suspicions this was going to happen, but thankfully, I left the meeting with my integrity intact.
'I am grateful to my family, especially my mother, for instilling in me the values of honesty, trust, fairness, and respect. These are the principles I strive to uphold, and I hope never to stray from them, no matter the political climate.'
Referring to the recent special meeting of the Arklow MD to discuss the change she proposed to the distribution of discretionary funding, Cllr Leonard commented: 'In recent meetings, I expressed frustration in ways I regret. I acknowledged and apologised for this today.
'My discontent lies with processes I believe hinder transparency and progress. Politics often resists reform. Systems, by their nature, protect themselves. Still, it is better to try and fall short than to stand idle while others suffer.
'My family, friends, and supporters know who I am and what I stand for. I remain steadfast. I do not seek to bend with the prevailing winds.
'I thank Fergal Keogh (stand-in Arklow district manager) for his words today, which painted a vision of hope for Arklow,' she continued.
'Words can guide thought, and thought can guide action. His were words worth noting. I continue forward, not in pursuit of titles, but in service of principle.
'I genuinely thank Cllr Warren O'Toole for his support. While I am not politically aligned with any party, he has proven to be a man of integrity.'