Fianna Fail Councillor Frank Moran is elected Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District

Fianna Fail Councillor Frank Moran has been elected Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District. This is the third time for Councillor Moran to take over the chair. 

He was proposed by party colleague Councillor Tony McCormack who said, Councillor Moran ''has done his work in the past very professionally and very honestly and I'm delighted to nominate him here today as Cathaoirleach. Cllr McCormack said Cllr Moran has always been a huge advocate for the town of Clara and in ''making sure it is never left behind and also for Ballycumber. ''

The new Cathaoirleach thanked his fellow councillors. ''It is a great honour for me to be elected as Cathaoirlach of Tullamore Municipal District.''

He welcomed newcomers Councillors Aoife Masterson and Ollie Bryant. ''You are very welcome to what I would consider a very welcoming, very approachable team within the Tullamore Municipal District.' Cllr Moran said councillors leave their politics outside the door when they enter the chamber. ''We are here for the betterment of the people,'' he said.

 He thanked his proposer Councillor Tony McCormack and his seconder Councillor Ollie Bryant.

''I'm looking forward to working with the councillors and the management team overseen by Tom Shanahan, Director of Services. John Connelly (Senior Executive Engineer) and Killian, (O'Brien administrator.)''

Cllr Moran said he was anticipating the completion of 38 houses in Raheen, Clara, which he said, ''will be a huge advantage to many people who are on our housing list. Also the commencement of 10 houses in Ballycumber.'' In addition, he said he was looking forward to working on the plans for Tullamore Regeneration.

''Finally I want to thank my family for their commitment throughout the campaign. It was a tough three months but they were always there behind me. Most importantly I want to thank the electorate,'' he added.

New face of the municipal District, Fianna Fail Councillor Ollie Bryant was elected Leas Cathaoirleach. He was nominated by Councillor Declan Harvey and seconded Cllr Tony McCormack.

Councillor Neil Feighery nominated Sinn Fein Councillor Aoife Masterson. Cllr Feighery said given the difficulties for those entering politics and more especially women it would send out a strong message. ''If we don't do it at the local level then it is very difficult on the national stage. In the  interest of diversity of opinion and diversity in political representation'' he proposed Cllr Masterson.

Cllr Masterson seconded herself in the absence of a seconder. But it was Councillor Ollie Bryant who won the vote 5 to 2 with Independent Councillor Sean O'Brien rowing in behind Fianna Fail with his vote.