Laois FG councillors appear to bury the hatchet

Two Laois Fine Gael councillors appear to have mended their political differences as they face into the 2024 local elections.

The detente between Cllr John King and Cllr Conor Bergin was on show in public at the AGM of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting when it came to the election of chairpersons.

The two had clashed at meetings of the same Municipal District meeting since the last local elections in what seemed to be a row over political territories.

The thaw in the relationship seemed to be easing in recent times and they are now working together again.

When it came to the election of the Cathaoirleach of the district at the AGM, Fine Gael would assume the role under a deal with Fianna Fáil and independent, Cllr Ollie Cloney. 

There was no hesitation from Cllr Bergin when it came to nominating the next District Cathaoirleach. He named Cllr King who has been a councillor for 14 years. He also praised his colleague who was a past chair of the district and Laois County Council.

"He has always chaired the meetings very fairly. He is a very experienced chair and hardworking councillor. I think he will be a great chair," said Cllr Bergin.

The nomination was seconded by Cllr Seamus McDonald of Fianna Fáil. 

With no other candidates proposed, he was deemed elected. 

Accepting the role, Cllr King praised the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy Bracken of Fianna Fáil. He hoped for a good year which he remarked would include the local elections.

Cllr King promptly nominated Cllr Bergin as Leas Cathaoirleach. It was seconded by Cllr Bracken. Cllr Bergin thanked his colleague for his nomination and said he "looked forward to working with" Cllr King.

All councillors paid tribute to Cllr Bracken his work contribution as Chairperson since June 2023.

Mr Donal Brennan, Director of Services, also congratulated the new Cathaoirleach.