LIMERICK IN PHOTOS: Slattery considers year as Príomh Chomhairleoir ’greatest honour’ of her life

FIANNA Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery is enjoying a well-deserved break after a challenging year as Ireland’s first female Príomh Chomhairleoir.

Before handing the chains of office over to Fine Gael councillor Tom Ruddle at last week’s Limerick City and County Council AGM, Cllr Slattery described the last 12 months as “among the proudest of her life”.

She also said that serving the people of Limerick in the fledgling role has been both a privilege and a responsibility.

“I’m particularly proud to have been the first female Príomh Chomhairleoir of our Council. I hope that in some small way my time in this role has shown young people, especially young girls across Limerick, that leadership is something they too can aspire to,” she told the AGM.

“I look forward to the day when I sit in the chamber and witness another Príomh Chomhairleoir from the city, inspired perhaps by this year, to take on this important role.”

The City East representative thanked her family and friends for their unwavering support. She also thanked her Fianna Fáil colleagues and TD Willie O’Dea for their guidance, encouragement, and support, and acknowledged councillors across the political divide for their cooperation, counsel, and commitment to the people they serve.

Cllr Slattery also extended her sincere thanks to the Council’s director general, directors of service, and staff, saying: “Your professionalism, dedication, and public service are the backbone of our organisation.”

The Fianna Fáil woman said ongoing changes within local government structures have required all Council members to adapt. She also deemed the role of Príomh Chomhairleoir an important one as it represents the people of Limerick.

“It must continue to be respected and valued, because within this chamber the Príomh Chomhairleoir is entrusted to lead, to guide, and to ensure order, to be, in simple terms, the boss, and as the boss the position deserves quite simply equality, respect, parity, and most of all validation.

“As elected representatives, we are not here for ourselves. We are here to serve, to represent, to give voice to the people who place their trust in us. Our duty is always to act in their best interests, to uphold their confidence, and to work each day to make Limerick a better place for all,” Cllr Slattery insisted.

Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon (FF) congratulated his party colleague on a job well done under difficult circumstances. He also took the view that there should be far more respect for the position of Príomh Chomhairleoir – a thought agreed with by Labour councillor Joe Leddin, who was of the opinion that the Príomh Chomhairleoir should automatically be entrusted with the option of representing Limerick when the Mayor is not available to attend functions.

“While it’s not in legislation, sometimes we shouldn’t be depending on rules. We should use a bit of decorum and respect. We’re here, and the Mayor has a job to do, but we also have a Príomh Chomhairleoir, and they equally have a job to do. I think that needs to be fully respected,” Cllr Leddin opined.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin took the opportunity to call for a reset in the new term of the local authority as they elected Cllr Tom Ruddle to the hot-seat for the year ahead.

“Respect is a two-way street. I think it’s time now that we had a reset, because the gig that you’re at above there Príomh Chomhairleoir is not a simple one, and it needs the help of the Council members, and it needs the help of the executive and the Mayor to get that position right.

“I feel today is the day to reset for everyone and respect each other. We give respect, we get respect, and I think today that we should reflect on that,” Cllr Galvin commented.

A function was held in Cllr Slattery’s honour at Janesboro FC at the weekend to mark her successful term as Limerick’s first female Príomh Chomhairleoir.