FG members support Sinn Féin's Murray for cathaoirleach's position

FINE Gael's national position in respect of Sinn Féin was not reflected in the voting in of a new cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District today.

The five FG councillors voted for Charlestown-based SF Councillor Gerry Murray to hold the chairman's position for the year ahead, with Fianna Fáil's Michael Smyth losing out by six votes to four.

Councillor Murray takes over from FG's Tom Connolly, and the new leas-cathaoirleach is Foxford Councillor Neil Cruise, again winning a 6-4 vote over Smyth.

Claremorris-Swinford is the largest municipal district in the county and tribute was paid to Councillor Connolly on his year in office.

The new cathaoirleach also paid tribute to local council management and staff for their excellent work during the recent Covid months.

After the positions were decided, Councillor Damian Ryan (FF) commented how it was great to see the cooperation that exists locally between FG and SF, which is not what you see on a national level.

FG's Councillor Cruise said Councillor Murray was the most experienced man in the Swinford area of the district and he was glad they had broken with the national trend.

All members wished the new cathaoirleach well for the coming year. As Councillor O'Brien noted, they may wear different jerseys but they all have the same audience and they all work together for the betterment of the area.