“Eminently suitable for the role” was how Fine Gael’s Mark Cooney described Fintan Cooney as he nominated him for chairmanship of the county council at last Friday’s meeting.
Stressing that the proposal was on behalf of the party and not in his capacity as Fintan’s nephew, Mark said that in his relatively short time on the council Cllr Fintan Cooney had contributed greatly to a number of areas, including in his role as chair of a special policy committee (SPC ). The nomination was seconded by Cllr Frank McDermott.
The move means that both Cooney councillors will be in positions of responsibility for the coming year, with Mark Cooney elected mayor of Athlone Town Council last week.
No candidate was proposed by Fianna Fail, as party spokesperson Paddy Hill admitted “We realise the numbers don’t add up”. As with the last term, the majority on the council is held by a combination of Fine Gael and Labour.
“This is a well-deserved position. Cllr Cooney was a very fair chairman of the SPC and will be likewise of the council,” said Cllr Hill.
Accepting the nomination, Cllr Cooney thanked Cllr Hill for his gracious words. “It is a distinctive honour for myself, my party, and my family, and I am very appreciative,” he said.
He paid particular tribute to outgoing cathaoirleach and party colleague Joe Whelan. “He took to the business of the chamber with fairness and a great deal of skill. I speak for the entire organisation when I say that he conducted the business of the council very efficiently.”
Looking forward to the year ahead, Cllr Cooney said although it would not be an easy year economically, he had every confidence in the council staff under the dynamic leadership of county manager Dan McLoughlin.
Cllr Dan McCarthy was installed as leas-cathaoirleach after being nominated by Cllr Mick Dollard and seconded by Cllr Johnnie Penrose. “I want to assure Fintan Cooney I will be at his elbow as often as he needs me,” he said.
