Labour councillor John Pratt elected Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan-Lismore District
Cllr Pratt is also the outgoing Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County
Labour Party councillor John Pratt has been elected the new Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District.
Cllr Pratt was voted to take up the position by his fellow councillors at this afternoon’s June meeting of the district.
He was nominated by his party colleague, Cllr Thomas Phelan, who expressed hope that he would be well supported.
This nomination was seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Tom Cronin, who said he knew Cllr Pratt for “a long time now”.
Cllr Cronin added that “he will definitely do a very good job at district level”.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy nominated independent councillor Joe O’Riordan.
He said that Cllr O’Riordan had “proved himself to be a hard working and committed public representative”.
This call was seconded by Cllr Mulachy’s party colleague, Cllr Kate O’Mahoney.
However, both councillors acknowledged that this was a symbolic gesture, given the pact that exists between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour Party councillors.
The nominations subsequently went to a vote, with Cllr Pratt being elected by six votes to three.
Upon being elected, Cllr Pratt thanked his fellow councillors for their support and acknowledged the work of the outgoing chairperson, Fine Gael councillor Niamh O’Donovan.
Cllr Pratt subsequently nominated Cllr Thomas Phelan as Leas-Cathaoirleach of the district.
This was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Damien Geoghegan and on this occasion, the Sinn Féin councillors did not seek to make a nomination.
Cllr Pratt is also the current Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, deputising for his party colleague, Mayor Seamus Ryan.
However, both councillors’ terms in those roles will come to an end on Thursday, when the plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council is held.