Swinford councillor elected Mayo cathaoirleach for the first time after contest for role
Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Smyth defeated Fine Gael nominee Councillor Donna Sheridan by 16 votes to 13 with one absentee
by Stuart Tynan
Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Smyth has been elected cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council at today's annual general meeting of the authority for the very first time.
It is the first time the Swinford-based solicitor will wear the chain of office.
Once again, the traditional handing over of the actual chain by the outgoing cathaoirleach did not take place due to Covid restrictions.
Councillor Richard Finn had the chain sanitised and ready to hand over.
But to comply with Covid-19 advice, it was instead left in its storage pouch on the top table in the TF Royal Theatre & Hotel in Castlebar for Councillor Smyth to collect and put on himself.
There were two candidates proposed for the chairman's position.
Councillor Smyth was proposed by Councillor Damien Ryan (FF) and seconded by John Caulfield (FF).
Castlebar Fine Gael Councillor Donna Sheridan was proposed by Councillor Michael Burke (FG) and seconded by Cyril Burke.
Put to a vote, Smyth won by 16-13 with the support of the FF and Independent members.
Westport Independent Councillor John O'Malley abstained.
The position of leas-cathaoirleach is to be filled by Kilkelly Fianna Fáil member Councillor John Caulfield.
In his first speech as cathaoirleach, Councillor Smyth said his journey in politics began when he returned to Swinford 17 years ago after retiring from the army.
He recalled a famous speech by legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, citing failure time and time again until he eventually succeeded after losing narrowly in the 2009 local elections.
“I make mistakes all the time and I get things wrong all the time, but in this chamber, I never stop trying,” said the new cathaoirleach.
Paying tribute to Councillor Sheridan, he said she is a great role model and he hopes to see her elected cathaoirleach in the future.
In his message, Councillor Smyth added that the world as we knew it is never going to be the same again and called on the authority to respond to the change.
The meeting heard glowing tributes being paid to outgoing cathaoirleach, Councillor Richard Finn, who experienced a different year to most chairpersons with the onset of Covid-19.
He was complimented for the way he led the county during the pandemic.
New chief executive Kevin Kelly noted while he had limited meetings with Councillor Finn, his experience, dedication, positive outlook and passion were evident and he hopes to use his skills going forward in meeting with the Mayo diaspora.