COUNCILLOR Anthony Molloy has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District.
The Fianna Fáil councillor was put forward by Sinn Féin’s Cllr Brian Carr and seconded by Cllr John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh at the Municipal Districts AGM this afternoon.
Cllr Molloy spoke of how he was very proud of being selected. He shared how it was a big day for both himself and his family, who had joined him in the council chamber.
During the selection process, 100% Redress Party councillor Denis McGee put forward the name of independent councillor Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig.
This was seconded by Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig, who in more than a decade as a councillor has only served as Cathaoirleach once.
A vote to decide between Cllr Molloy and Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig was then put to the councillors.
The combined support of both Sinn Féin councillors, Carr and Ó Fearraigh, and independent Cllr Michael McClafferty, led to Cllr Molloy’s success.
Cllr Carr was then chosen as Leas Cathaoirleach.
Criticism
Rann na Feirste native Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig shared his well wishes with the new Cathaoirleach for the year ahead.
However, he criticised the selection process and said it was a decision already made by Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin to ensure he wouldn’t be selected.
He claimed that he and a number of other independent councillors would not be chosen as Cathaoirleach of their respective MDs due to a decision made between the council’s two largest parties.
He said the selection process was no more than a pretence and spoke strongly of what he described as inequality.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Michael McClafferty pictured with Cathaoirleach Anthony Molloy.
Handing over the official chain, outgoing Cathaoirleach Michael McClafferty also joined fellow councillors in wishing Cllr Molloy good luck and thanked everyone who supported him during his term.
Cllr McClafferty used the opportunity to speak about the growing pressure on families as the cost of living continues to rise and focused on those living in fuel poverty due to the ongoing fuel crisis.
He also spoke of the recent launch of an initiative by MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) in Dungloe Public Library, which he said is “needed now more than ever”.