‘A year of integration, not segregation,’ says Roscrea councillor elected MD Cathaoirleach

Roscrea councillor Michael Smith has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council. 

Cllr Smith said it was a “huge honour” to be elected to chair the district he is “proud to represent”.

He said the Thurles-Templemore district is a strong one with welcoming communities, and he would like to see that recognised.

“I want this to be a year of integration, not segregation,” said Cllr Smith.

In his first address as Cathaoirelach, Cllr Smith welcomed funding announced for Roscrea and Littleton and highlighted the refurbishment of the Templemore Town Hall.

He said it is a “real show-piece” and called on his colleagues to help him establish a tourism hub there. Cllr Smith also welcomed the council’s newcomers and congratulated those returning.

“Everyone knows about me and this district, we get down, do the work, and we do the work together,” said Cllr Smith. 

Cllr Smith was nominated by fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Ryan.

Cllr Ryan said Cllr Smith has served as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, and this was his third time as Cathaoirleach having steered the MDC during the pandemic.

“Cllr Smith was Cathaoirleach during Covid which was an unprecedented time for the country and the district, and he did a fantastic job,” said Cllr Ryan.

His nomination was seconded by Fine Gael’s Peggy Ryan, who praised Cllr Smith’s “tremendous skills in the council”.

She praised his work in recognising the work of the Women of Honour group’s Yvonne O’Rourke with a civic reception and for

standing by his beliefs in Roscrea during January’s protests. 

“Roscrea had an incredibly complex year, and Michael remained true to his convictions and supported people in a very vulnerable position,” said Cllr Ryan.

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH

Independent councillor Micheál Lowry was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach. 

His nomination came from his Team Lowry colleague Shane Lee, who described him as a “steady councillor”, whom he looked up to. Cllr Eddie Moran seconded his proposal. 

Cllr Lowry said he is looking forward to continuing the work they started last term. 

“I would say this district is in a strong position with a lot of work done last term. If we work as consistently this term, we will

be in a strong position going forward,” said Cllr Lowry. 

DISAPPOINTING

The Cathaoirleach election could be described as a smooth transition of power, but not one of consensus. 

Cllr Jim Ryan congratulated those who were elected and offered his commiserations to those who were not. 

But, while he wished the new Cathaoirleach well, he said he was “disappointed” in how the chair was filled.

He said the nominations were decided amongst the political parties with no consultation with the independents on the council. 

“Again, we have been overlooked. It reminds me of the song, I stepped out and you stepped in,” said Cllr Ryan.

He said while they are all adults and will move on, it is disappointing and disrespectful. 

Cllr Smith responded saying: “That is democracy, and I won’t let you take from my day.”

He also pointed out that Micheál Lowry, who is an independent, had been consulted. 

Cllr Peggy Ryan also responded saying the majority want Cllr Smith in the chair, and that is why he was elected.

Cllr Lowry said that is democracy and has “been that way since day dot.”

FLOURISH

District Manager Mark Connolly wished the new council well. 

He said he did not doubt that Cllr Smith would “flourish and keep all of them on their toes”.

He acknowledged the work of the councillors who had retired Cllr Noel Coonan and Cllr Seamus Hanafin. 

And, said in his short time as manager, he has always found the district council to be a cooperative one.

“Councillors work together, and you forget about party politics.

“There are lots of projects on the go, and many of them will come to fruition in the next 12 to 24 months, and we will push for more, said Mr Connolly.

Mr Connolly said the staff in the council would support the elected members while also offering “some realism” as well.

CAPTION:The new Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council. Back row (from left to right) Dirstict Manager Mark Connolly, Cllr Willie Kennedy, Cllr Sean Ryan, Cllr Jim Ryan, Cllr Shane Lee, Cllr Eddie Moran, District Administrator Sharon Scully. Front row (from left to right) Cllr Peggy Ryan, Leas-Cathaoirleach Micheál Lowry, Cathaoirleach Michael Smith and Cllr Kay Cahill-Skehan.