Offaly County Council has a new Cathaoirleach

Fianna Fáil councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick is the new Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council.

Upon his election after being proposed by Cllr Robert McDermott at the annual AGM on Monday, Cllr Fitzpatrick thanked his proposer and seconder Cllr John Leahy and said that he was “very honoured to take up the position.”

“I look forward to working with you all. I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to represent this council.”

Fine Gael Cllr Liam Quinn commented on the new Cathaoirleach's ability to do the job saying: “You're a long-serving councillor. If omens are anything to go by the last time you were in chair I got chairman the year after.”

Ferbane-based Cllr Eamon Dooley added that he knows that Cllr Fitzpatrick will do a good job, while Green Cllr Mark Hackett added: You're a very able politician. I think it's great to have a Cathaoirleach from Edenderry”.

Cllr John Carroll stated that Cllr Fitzpatrick is an “extremely hard worker” and wished him the best for an exciting year ahead.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, the new Cathaoirleach, also acknowledged the support of his family members as he takes up the role for the second time.

Social Democrats Cllr Clare Claffey was also proposed for the role by Cllr Sean O'Brien which was seconded by Cllr Mark Hackett. However, she only garnered three votes in the contest.

She congratulated Cllr Fitzpatrick on his new role and thanked her proposer and seconder.

The Social Democrats councillor said: “It's a little disappointing but I can't say I'm shocked.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Danny Owens was elected unopposed as Leas Cathaoirleach after being proposed by Cllr Declan Harvey.