Cllr Kevin Hussey elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Longford MD
Cllr Kevin Hussey has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Longford Municipal District while Cllr Martin Monaghan was elected Leas Cathaoirleach.
It was to the tune of his 3 year old son, Cole Hussey, singing “hi daddy” from up in the public gallery, that Councillor Kevin Hussey was today officially declared the new Cathaoirleach of the Longford Municipal District.
The popular Longford-town-born representative and business owner was proposed for the chair by Cllr Seamus Butler, who praised what he called the “new invigorated energy” he had brought to the role ever since being elected to the council in 2024.
Describing him as a very hard worker, Cllr Butler told the chamber that his colleague was “a true Longford man,” who would make a fitting Cathaoirleach.
During his proposal, Cllr Butler also extended his congratulations to Cllr Gerry Hagan who was last week elected Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council and is a member of the team representing the Longford Municipal District.
In seconding the proposal, Cllr Martin Monaghan commended the work carried out by Cllr Hussey since he entered the council in 2024 and said it was with honour he was seconding the proposal.
Upon being deemed elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Longford MD, the official chain of office was handed over by the outgoing Cathaoirleach Uruemu Adejinmi who in turn, received widespread praise for the work and dedication she demonstrated during her year long term.
Taking up his new position at the top table amid applause from his colleagues in the chamber and his family in the public gallery, Cllr Kevin Hussey delivered a very moving speech, describing the day as one of the proudest in his life.
Dedicating the moment to his late grandad, the Cathaoirleach said he was deeply grateful and honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent the Longford MD and commended his predecessor Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi for “having represented the district with great commitment and dignity” during her term as chair.
Speaking about the town, the Cathaoirleach said, “We have our challenges but we also have tremendous strengths, tremendous people and tremendous community spirit.”
“There are so many exciting projects either completed and on their way or planned for the years ahead.”
Speaking about the many positives happening in Longford, the Cathaoirleach said Longford “is moving forward with real progress being made” and that while there were still challenges to be addressed, “there was also huge potential and opportunity.”
He told the council, “We should be proud of what we have achieved and optimistic about what lies ahead.”
In speaking about Longford’s future, the Cathaoirleach acknowledged Cllr Peggy Nolan for her fantastic idea of a Love Life, Love Longford campaign and bringing it to fruition.
The Cathaoirleach added, “When I became a councillor, I never fully realised the role involved. I looked back over my records and realised over 600 people have sat in my office over the last two years.”
“That’s before you count the phone calls, emails, and meetings,” he added, “Every one of those people had a story and were facing a challenge or problem that mattered to them.”
“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is being able to help people through difficult times and make a positive difference in their lives.”
He added “Looking around this chamber today I see so many people that supported me throughout my life. I am blessed with such a large family and a supportive family and I’m delighted to have all of you here today.”
The Cathaoilreach paid tribute to his four beautiful children, Cora, Kevin Jnr, Kyle and Cole, and his wife Carol whom, he told the chamber, was the backbone of the family.
He said, “You make sacrifices every day that lets me continue to do this job and for that I am so grateful.”
Commending the hard work of his council colleagues such as Lorraine McKee and Director of Services John Brannigan, the Cathaoirleach said, “Politics is never a one person operation, it is a team effort and we are very fortunate to have such dedicated hard working people working in Longford County Council.”
In closing his speech, the new Cathaoirleach thanked “everyone who put their support and confidence in me.”
Next on the agenda was the nomination for Leas Cathaoirleach, a position for which Cllr Seamus Butler nominated Cllr Martin Monaghan stating he was “a Longford stalwart” who would be more than fitting for the role.
Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi seconded the nomination of Cllr Monaghan, and described her colleague as “a very hard working businessman and well thought of in the community”.
She added, “I think you will make a very strong team as Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach and I look forward to working with you both in developing this town more.”
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, likewise concurred with the statements before congratulating the newly elected and paying tribute to outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Adejinmi.
Addressing the new Cathaoirleach, Cllr Peggy Nolan, “It’s a very special day for you and your family. It’s an emotional day. It’s a day that you have been elected as First Citizen of your town.”
She added, “It’s a very personal role. People come to you and trust you with their deepest problems.”
Cllr Nolan said, “I’m going to give you the advice that a very wise man and long serving councillor gave me back when councillors were not paid, they just did it for the love of their town and county.”
“When I first got the chain, the man in question was very ill and asked to see me.”
“He said to me, ‘you’ve received the Chain of Office for Longford town, remember the chain demands respect.”’ The wearer has to earn the respect.”
She added, “Kevin, I know you will earn that respect, I can already see it in you, you’ve grown in stature since you put it around your neck! There is so much that is going to come on stream this year that we all looked for, and you will be the leading light in delivering for the town.”
Upon congratulating the new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleachs, Cllr Niall Gannon said to Cllr Hussey “We started this journey together a couple of years ago. I wish you the best of luck with it; it’s going to fill your days and I’ll be there if you need me during the year!”
Speaking on behalf of the council, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services John Brannigan also offered his congratulations and told the newly elected the team in the county council would offer every support and help during their terms.
Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme