Robert Nash formally co opted to Louth County Council

Robert Nash was formally co opted to Louth County Council today, at a special meeting arranged to fill the vacancy that arose following the resignation of Fine Gael councillor, Maria Doyle from the local authority.

Cllr Nash was nominated for the position by Cllr Paula Butterly and seconded by Cllr John Reilly and was selected unopposed. The new Fine Gael councillor was also selected to fill the vacancy on the Louth County Council Housing Strategic Policy Committee.

Cllr Nash was welcomed to Louth County Council from members across the Council Chamber, as well as the County Executive. Cllr Maeve Yore welcomed Cllr Nash on behalf of Independent councillors, saying she knew him well and that he works tirelessly for his community.

Cllr Kevin Meenan welcomed Cllr Nash on behalf of Sinn Féin, adding that he knew Cllr Nash for some years and that he was a great community activist and he looked forward to working with him.

Cllr Seán Kelly welcomed the new councillor on behalf of Fianna Fáil, adding that Cllr Nash has a great track record for the work he has done for his community, and said it was great that his family was there on the day to support him.

Cllr Paula Butterly welcomed her new Fine Gael colleague, saying that she was disappointed that Maria Doyle had stepped down but was delighted to see Cllr Nash take over, commending his integrity, work ethic and decency.

Words of support were also voiced by Cllr Marianne Butler, and Cllr Nash's Fine Gael colleagues, Cllr John Reilly and Cllr Dolores Minogue; as well as from Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan.

Louth Chief Executive Joan Martin welcomed Cllr Nash, saying that she was delighted to see him on board and joked that Louth County Council must have the record for being the most co opted council. She added that she and all the management team, and all the staff are there to help and work with the councillors, and like the councillors, they are there to serve the people of County Louth.

Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat following the meeting, Cllr Nash said "It's a proud day for myself and my family. Most people know I have a proud history in the Fine Gael party, my great grandfather James Coburn being a councillor for 30 odd years and then a TD as well. It's a proud day for my mother as well, she's here with me today.

"As I said in the Chamber, I'm looking forward to working hard for the people of Dundalk South and the Louth area in general, and looking forward to getting straight to work."