'Choice of the people' is Mayo's new Cathaoirleach

Bonniconlon councillor John O’Hara is the new Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council. He took over the chain from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Loftus at the annual general meeting of the local authority yesterday (Friday). 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Brendan Mulroy has been selected as Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr O’Hara was proposed and seconded by Fine Gael colleagues Cllr Jarlath Munnelly and Cllr Peter Flynn.

“John O’Hara is someone who is steeped in community,” said Cllr Munnelly. “He has represented his community and the Ballina area with distinction since 2011. It’s a very easy name to propose for Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council because John’s record electorally is second to none. He has shown at every election that he has contested that he is the choice of the people,” Cllr Munnelly added.

He said Cllr O’Hara is known "far and wide and across the world" for his spearheading of the Bonniconlon Show and has helped to transform the event into one the premier agricultural events in Ireland.

Cllr Flynn said Cllr O’Hara goes about his business in a quiet but incredibly efficient manner.

“He will be a really good chair for the entire county,” stated Cllr Flynn.

There was no opposition to Cllr O’Hara’s election as Cathaoirleach.

Cllr O'Hara said he was honoured and proud to take on the position and thanked his party and his fellow councillors.

“I want to assure the people of Mayo that I will do my very best to represent them and promote their interests during my term,” said Cllr O’Hara.

He commended Cllr Loftus for his efforts while wearing the chain, adding: “I have a hard act to follow.” 

The new Cathaoirleach urged the council to keep lines of communication open with the multi-national companies that operate in the county, "so that we can continue to provide sustainable jobs".

He also called on the council to continue to support ‘the beating heart’ of the county and back Mayo’s small farmers.

Cllr O’Hara said essential services such as roads and broadband cannot be overlooked and stressed the importance of General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding for community groups and organisations.

“This funding has been the saviour of small clubs and organisations,” he remarked.

“I want this council to be at the forefront of progress for Co Mayo and everyone who resides here,” Cllr O’Hara added.

There was widespread praise for Cllr O’Hara from colleagues. 

“We are very lucky to have a man like yourself in charge,” said new Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mulroy.

“We all know you’re the people’s choice,” said Cllr Neil Cruise. “You are one of the hardest-working quiet councillors here but you get your work done,” he added.