Moran’s absence noted from appointment of ’Metropolitan Mayor’

MAYOR John Moran’s absence from the Metropolitan District’s AGM to elect a new Cathaoirleach was noted by councillors who believe...

MAYOR John Moran’s absence from the Metropolitan District’s AGM to elect a new Cathaoirleach was noted by councillors who believe their role has been diminished.

Speaking at the Metropolitan District AGM in Merchants Quay, former Limerick Mayor Kieran O’Hanlon expressed his disappointment at the poor turnout.

He also took the view that what was once an auspicious day on the local authority’s calendar has now been watered down with the election of an executive Mayor.

Before his Fianna Fáil colleague Cllr Joe Pond was elevated to the role of Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan area, Cllr O’Hanlon took the opportunity to express his views.

“I think it’s very sad to see so many empty chair at a meeting which effectively is the mayor of Limerick City, the mayor of Metropolitan District, and that should be the title, in my opinion,” Cllr O’Hanlon said.

“However, since the amalgamation, and since the introduction of a directly-elected mayor, the role here in this chamber has been diminished and reduced, and I think it’s an absolute disgrace.”

The Fianna Fáil councillor said: “I can go back this time 30 years ago, I was elected mayor here in this very chamber before some of you were born, but it was a big occasion. We were electing the leader of Limerick City, and on the night we would have the maces and flowers, the chamber would be decorated, and the gallery would be packed, because the people of Limerick came out.”

“You actually had to get a ticket to come in because there was so many people, and of course, there was 17 councillors here at the time. By the way, for the record, I was elected nine to eight so it used to be quite exciting.”

Cllr O’Hanlon took the view that the office of ‘Metropolitan Mayor’ (Cathaoirleach) has been sidelined since the introduction of the directly-elected Mayor, which he deemed a “retrograde” step.

“I would like to see us have an occasion here with the robes worn. I’d ask the incoming Cathaoirleach to look at bringing the robes back. Every city council in Ireland, they wear the robes, and it’s a big occasion for them. We are the only council now, in Limerick, where this doesn’t happen, and that’s the result of the introduction of a directly-elected Mayor,” he opined.

According to Cllr O’Hanlon, it is the Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District that should be asked to step in for the DEM if he otherwise engaged and cannot attend an official function.

“This is the capital, not alone of Limerick, but of the Mid West. I’m passionate about Limerick City, and the Government are going to publish a report on local democracy. I hope that they will restore some of the powers that were taken away from us here, and I would like to see a situation where we actually become kind of an independent Metropolitan Council, because I think that’s better for the city,” he suggested.

Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery (FF), also expressed her disappointment at the Mayor’s absence from the Metropolitan District AGM.

“This is a big occasion for the Metropolitan District, and as a mayor that wants to work together and be fair to everybody, where is he?” she asked.

Cllr Joe Pond (FF) was appointed as Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District at the Metropolitan AGM, with Cllr Catherine Slattery named Leas-Cathaoirleach.