Status quo remains in Borris/Mountmellick but tensions flare over appointment of chair

Tensions flared over the appointment of the positions of Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach during the first meeting of the Borris/Mountmellick Municipal District. 

Voters endorsed the status quo with the same six councillors re-elected. 

Veteran councillor Seamus McDonald, who will celebrate 40 years since his election to Laois County Council next year, was elected Cathaoirleach after being proposed by fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Paddy Bracken. 

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John King seconded the motion, however independent Cllr James Kelly questioned the lack of competition.

 "Is there any counter proposal, no?" Cllr Kelly questioned.

"Go ahead if you wish," Cllr King said.

"No, I'm just asking a question.  I just wish to make a comment. If Seamus is to be the 'Heir Apparent' to Chairperson I wish him very well, but it's disappointing that there isn't competition for the position," said Cllr Kelly.

"Whether it's a foregone conclusion or not, because 33% of the valid poll didn't vote for Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.

They voted for other parties or independents. So it's the only comment I'll make, that it's disappointing that there isn't competition for the chair," Cllr Kelly said.

"I suppose that's the difference in being on a team, or not on a team," Cllr King commented. 

"You were often off the team yourself," Cllr Kelly interjected.

"Seamus, your re-election has proved that you're doing something very good for your area," said Cllr King.

"The people speak, and that's what's more important. So I welcome you to come up here and take up the mantle as Chairman."

Taking up the mantle as Cathaoirleach Cllr McDonald said great work had been done over the last few years in the municipal district. 

"A lot of work still remains to be done," he added.

"I know you do great work for your community, and I want to congratulate you," said Cllr Kelly.

"Sometimes you mightn't get the praise you deserve for the work you do, and you have been here a long time.

You have the experience and you have your area to your heart. We'll all be supporting you throughout the year," Cllr Kelly finished.

Cllr King put forward Cllr Conor Bergin for position of Leas Cathaoirleach, which was then seconded by Cllr Bracken.

Pictured: Councillor Seamus McDonald (Cathaoirleach) and Councillor Conor Bergin (Leas-Cathaoirleach).

The Borris-in-Ossory/ Mountmellick councillors gave their best wishes to their colleagues and fellow candidates, following what they called a "tough battle".

"We're the only six councillors to be re-elected, which proves to me that everyone is doing their jobs well, and that's very positive going forward," said Cllr King.

"A lot of candidates went in the area, and every one of us were certainly under pressure. 

"We're all proud today to be back, and we look forward to the next five years of working for our rural areas. I wish my colleagues all the best going forward as well," he said.

Cllr Bracken concurred with Cllr King's comments. "I agree with you. It was a tough battle and I'm thankful to be re-elected as well. It was a tough battle, it's not easy when you campaign, and campaign hard, and you don't make it," he said.

"There were a lot of strong candidates in this race, some of them I have no doubt we will see them again on the ballot paper," said newly elected Leas Cathaoirleach Conor Bergin.

"Everyone can't be elected, and I wish the best to all who put their names forward."

Independent Cllr Ollie Clooney congratulated his colleagues, and addressed one of the main issues he wishes to tackle this term.

"If you don't do well in your own area, then I'm afraid the reaper will come," said Cllr Clooney.

"You're not going to get re-elected unless you're a worker your favour will soon wear out. Onwards and upwards," he said.

"The roads are disimproving, and that's only one problem. We need a safety officer, because speed came up at every second door," said Cllr Clooney.

Laois County Council director of services Donal Brennan congratulated the councillors.

"Congratulations to those who have been re-elected. The municipal district is about the same size as county Louth, and it is quite remarkable that all 6 got re-elected, and fair deuce to you all," said Mr Brennan.