Latest news with #Leas-Cathaoirleach
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Clare county council elects new cathaoirleach
Cllr Paul Murphy (Fine Gael) was elected as Cathaoirleach for the 2025-2026 term and standing beside him as Laes-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (Fianna Fáil). Fianna Fáil councillor Alan O'Callaghan handed over the seat of Cathaoirleach, reflecting on his term, with Clare winning the All-Ireland for the first time in 11 years being on his his highlights. Cllr O'Callaghan thanked his family and friends for support through the year. 'To everyone here in the chamber, to all the members you were respectful of the chair, and I really appreciate that.' 'We leave no one behind. And that is very important as a local authority. Bring everyone along with you.' In response to the departing of Cllr O'Callaghan as the first citizen in the chamber, councillors remarked on his fun-loving professional demeaner that always ensured matters of business were handled within meeting times and gave each councillor the 'freedom' they needed, says Michael Begley who was elected Cathaoirleach in 2018. Cllr John Crowe nominated Cllr Paul Murphy saying that he is a 'real team member for all of us'. Cllr Murphy is the first person elected Cathaoirleach from Clarecastle in the history of the council and was praised for being a trustworthy and dependable councillor for the county. Upon election, Cllr Murphy said: 'It is a huge honour to be sitting here today as Clare County Council. I am deeply privileged to accept this role with your full support.' 'Many hands make light work… this seat belongs to the people and not to myself.' Additionally, Cllr. Clare Colleran-Molloy made history with her election as the first Leas-Cathaoirleach to be elected with American citizenship in Clare County Council. She took over the seat from Cllr. Mary Howard (Fine Gael). Cllr Colleran-Molloy was nominated with praises for her commitment to local government. Accepting the seat she said: 'I will answer the call, and I will do my best to help.' Furthermore, the municipal distracts have proceeded with elections as well. Shannon elected MD Cllr John Crowe as Cathaoirleach, and Cllr Michael Begley as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Mary Howard is the new Mayor of Ennis having been elected last Thursday with Cllr Pat Daly as deputy Mayor of Ennis. In Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke was elected as Cathaoirleach and Cllr Tony O'Brien as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Finally, in West Clare, Cllr Bill Slattery will be Cathaoirleach for the next year with Cllr Michael Shannon serving as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Pádraig Fitzsimons elected Mayor of Navan in Meath amid gender balance concerns
This marks Cllr Fitzsimons' third term as Mayor, having previously held the office in 2009 and again in 2021. At the AGM, he was nominated by Councillor Francis Deane, who highlighted the Fitzsimons family's deep political roots in Navan, spanning over 90 years. The nomination was seconded by Independent councillor Alan Lawes, who served as the outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach. While Cllr Adenuga was nominated by Councillor John Duffy. Councillor Francis Deane was also elected Deputy Mayor at the same meeting. Cllr Fitzsimons paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Eddie Fennessy, commending his leadership over the past year. "His commitment and drive was incredible and the result of the elections showed that," he said. He expressed his appreciation for the support of his colleagues and family as he embarks on another term. He said: 'I look forward to working with all of you over the next year. I would like to thank my fellow councillors for all your hard work. In particular, I would like to thank my wife. We all know the commitment of the job and the pressure you can be under sometimes, so the support, love, and understanding from your better half is so important.' 'I'm honoured to have been recently elected and to get the chance again to serve the people of Navan and the surrounding areas.' He spoke about continuing his family's political tradition, noting that his grandfather Pat, his father Paddy, and his uncle Jim had all served as elected representatives. "I hope I am fit to stand in their shoes," he said. Looking ahead, Cllr Fitzsimons expressed enthusiasm about several major projects planned for the area. He said he was looking forward to seeing the development of the old St Patrick's School, the opening of the new bridge, new facilities in Johnstown, the Andy Brennan Park and Ramparts project, the Navan–Slane Greenway, the installation of new CCTV cameras, and the arrival of the train to Navan. Cllr Adenuga who ran against Cllr Fitzsimons congratulated the new Mayor, however highlighted the lack of gender balance in the mayoral pact. 'To not have gender balance in the pact for the six years speaks volume of how we're not fair,' she said. 'I hope that before this term is over, that the 'boys club' would consider the pact and allow for gender balance.' Cllr Lawes responded by pointing out that there had previously been another woman on the council, but when Fine Gael co-opted a replacement, they selected a man. "You should have raised this with your party," he said. Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Eddie Fennessy reflected on his time in office saying, 'serving as your Mayor has not just been a role or a title but a true privilege.' "Together, we've navigated challenges, and celebrated triumphs and built connections that will last a lifetime,' he said. 'When I first took office, I made a promise to myself and to the people that I would commit to making the office of Mayor accessible to everyone and I believe we've done just that.' "Engaging with countless community groups, disability service providers, resident associations, and sports clubs has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people. Each conversation, each meeting, each event has enriched my life and deepened my love for this town,' he added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
