Cllr Kevin Callan new Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council

Cllr Kevin Callan was voted Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council at the local authority's annual meeting, held at the County Hall on Friday, with Cllr John Reilly elected Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Callan is the first Independent councillor elected to the role since Cllr Martin Bellew, who was elected to the role in 1997.

Cllr Callan was nominated for the role by fellow Independent Cllr Jim Tenanty, and seconded by Labour's Cllr Pio Smith.

Sinn Féin's Cllr Pearse McGeough was also nominated for the role, by his party colleague Cllr Antóin Watters and seconded by Cllr Kevin Meenan. 

Following a vote, Cllr Callan was elected Cathaoirleach, with 19 votes, seven going to Cllr McGeough and three councillors abstaining.

Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat, Cllr Callan said that “it's the first time that we've had such a big Independent grouping, so it's not one Independent negoiating with parties, I have five people within the grouping that I work with. So I'm delighted that we're there as a group.

On working with the Independent grouping he said, “it's a funny one, I've been in party politics and I've been an Independent, but generally with the Independents you have an excellent working relationship and we all get on. So there's no whip applied. We generally just like working with each other so it's a pleasant situation to have.”

On his election as Cathaoirleach, Cllr Callan said that he is “deeply honoured. I've always been involved in politics from the age of 21.

"I ran in my first election in 2004, didn't get it. Worked for five years, really hard, got in in 2009 as a Borough councillor. Became Mayor of Drogheda, and then from there I got into the county [council] when the system changed in 2014. I love the job. I love dealing with people. I love working very hard.”

Referring to comments he made in the Council Chamber following his election, Cllr Callan added, “as I said today, it's a lonely trail for anybody when you're out on the campaign trail, you're on your own, you're on your todd. But to be here in a seat working for the people, it's a huge honour.

“And when you see the ballot papers in the count, you realise that all your work – somebody actually left their house to go in, to put a number beside your name and vote you in.”

The new Cathaoirleach added, “And to have the vote of the Chamber today, the majority, to be elected Chairman is a huge honour. But I'll commit myself to the County 110% for the year.”