Fianna Fail retain Chair at Tullamore Municipal District

FIANNA Fail Councillor Declan Harvey has been elected Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District.

Cllr Harvey was nominated by the outgoing Fianna Fail Cathaoirleach, Councillor Frank Moran and seconded by Fianna Fail's Councillor Oliver Bryant. Since there were no other nominations, Cllr Harvey was deemed elected.

He thanked his proposer and seconder and said he was looking forward to working with them for the year. He commended Cllr Frank Moran for the great job he did and hoped he could do as well.

Fianna Fail, Councillor Shane Murray was elected Leas Cathaoirleach. He was proposed by Independent Councillor Sean O'Brien and seconded by Cllr Frank Moran.

Cllr O'Brien said Cllr Murray has great experience in voluntary work. He is 17 years with the Tullamore Tidy Towns and is a tremendous worker. He is also ''a great sports man, a true blue. He is forever seen at the matches,''he said.

Cllr Shane Murray has been elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District

Councillors also commended outgoing Cathaoirleach Councillor Frank Moran saying he was very professional and fair in his dealings with them.

Councillor Sean O'Brien said Cllr Moran was a great worker and was fantastic for Clara and particularly the Clara Town Team.'' It's a great example of how these things can be done. There is huge involvement and genuine involvement. I think it will lead to some big things for Clara,'' he added.

Councillor Neil Feighery said Cllr Moran had performed excellently and was always very fair to him. However, he suggested that the Cathaoirleach should be last to speak and he asked for it to be reintroduced. ''It's what happens in other chambers. It's only customary, he said. ''He who speaks last resonates the longest,'' he added.

''When I am in the chair everyone gets to speak whether they are first or last. If there is an issue to be brought up here, it can be discussed totally and firmly. I will be fair said Cllr Harvey

Cllr Frank Moran said it was up to the Cathaoirleach to decide. ''I am getting the sense that it's because I spoke first when it came to particular issues... but that was my prerogative,'' he added.

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