Cross party concensus as Sinn Fein Cllr appointed Cathaoirleach of Portarlington Graiguecullen MD

Members of all parties and none worked together to appoint a new Cathaoirleach and Vice Carthaoirleach of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.

The district has a varied representation with two Independent councillors, two Fianna Fail councillors, a Sinn Fein councillor and a Fine Gael councillor.  

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran proposed Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins for the position of Cathaoirleach(Chair) of the municipal district. 

“Aidan has been a councillor for over 10 years now. He is an extremely hard worker, passionate about his local town of Portarlington. He has worked tirelessly for this municipal district and its residents as has been evident over the last ten years," she said.   

Cllr Moran said he has been a great support to the other members over the years and is “always courteous, honest and measured” in his approach. 

“Aidan works for the people of this municipal district regardless of political persuasion. I believe that all these qualities is what makes an excellent politician and a great leader,” said Cllr Moran.  

Her proposal was seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy, who wished Cllr Mullins all the best.  

“The two of us came in together and the two of us lost together on a previous occasion, so the very best of luck to you,” said Cllr McEvoy. 

Cllr Mullins was pleased to note there was agreement at the municipal district. 

“It is good to see that as a team we came together to agree positions over the next five years. There is no argument or descent at the AGM,” he said.

“It is probably the first time in a long time that this has happened..fair play to everybody concerned,” said Cllr Mullins.

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming congratulated Cllr Mullins and wished him all the best in the chair.  

Cllr McEvoy proposed newly elected Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan for the position of Leas Cathaoirleach(Vice Chair). The proposal was seconded by Cllr Fleming. 

Cllr Phelan thanked all of the elected members who she said had given her a hand and had shown her the ropes in recent weeks. 

“I really do appreciate it and I am looking forward to working with all of you. There are strong voices in our group but I think at the end of the day we are all most interested in doing our best for our respective areas,” Cllr Phelan said. 

Cllr Mullins welcomed Cllr Phelan to the council and wished her well in the role. 

Cllr McEvoy also welcomed the newest member of the municipal district. 

“I have no doubt she has a massive future in politics,” he said. 

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Fleming and Cllr Moran who both welcomed Cllr Phelan to the municipal district.

Following the meeting, Cllr Mullins took to social media to express his delight.

“I'm honoured to have been elected as the Chair for the next 12 months of the Portarlington/ Graiguecullen Municipal District of the Council today. Our six Councillors agreed to rotate the position between the two groups evenly over the coming five years. Fairness at work in our AGM,” he stated.