Big names get behind Limerick mayoral hopefuls

WITH JUST days to go to the fiercely-contested mayoral election, the people of Limerick are bracing themselves for a decisive battle among 15 candidates – some of whom have secured the backing of high-profile names in a bid to get them over the line.

The stakes are high, and every vote counts in this unprecedented race – a first for both Limerick and Ireland.

When the polling stations open at 7am this Friday, the public will also be voting for who they want to see fill the 40 seats on the local authority as well as five spots in the Ireland South European Parliament constituency.

Boyle Sports, the only company offering odds for the maiden election, had one candidate as evens favourite as of this Wednesday night.

However, the favourite in the race according to the bookmaker has changed several times in recent days. And it must be noted that any significant wager on any candidate would shorten their odds due to this unique betting market.

With potentially only a handful of votes separating candidates in this first-ever mayoral race, many hopefuls have received the support of high-profile figures.

Former Finance Minister Michael Noonan is part of Cllr Daniel Butler’s mayoral campaign team.

“I think with both elected members and officials, he has the capacity to establish a good working relationship which would advance an agenda for the betterment of Limerick,” said Mr Noonan.

Mr Noonan worked alongside another mayoral candidate, John Moran at the Department of Finance.

But, the former Limerick TD said this is not a political position – and he’s also had associations with many other candidates in the race for mayor.

As for Mr Moran, he is being backed by former Munster and Ireland rugby international Jerry Flannery. “He’s got extensive knowledge of working with huge budgets at a national level. He’s a guy who really cares about Limerick and I think he will make a big difference,” he said.

Mr Moran is also being supported by a number of other businesspeople, including Adare hotelier Mary Fitzgerald.

Candidate Frankie Daly has enjoyed support from many well-known sports figures in the past and has been rallying his troops around the city in the lead up to polling day.

Another sitting councillor Elisa O’Donovan will be hoping to build on her support base which saw her elected for the Social Democrats five years ago. She is hoping to go one better this time and become Limerick’s first citizen.

Brian Leddin, meanwhile, has said the new mayor’s office will be an “incredibly strong voice for the region”. He is seeking to promote Limerick and the Mid-West as an “economic counter-balance” to Dublin.

The owner of Adare Manor, JP McManus, meanwhile, has come out in support of Helen O’Donnell.

He said: “Honesty, trust and integrity are hallmarks of Helen. She’s someone who gets things done and has a great ability to motivate people in an understated yet determined way.

“She understands the charitable sector and the needs of the more vulnerable people in society,” he added.

Maurice Quinlivan believes the new directly-elected mayor role is a huge opportunity to foster a “Minister for Limerick” position and says if elected he will definitely spend at least one day each week in the rural communities he represents.

Former Limerick Chamber boss Dee Ryan said she did not go looking for endorsements.

“I’m conscious a vote is a private thing,” she said.

However, a number of her supporters have posted videos stating they are backing her

Across Limerick, there are 158,063 people eligible to vote this Friday, with polling stations open until 10pm.

Candidates for the directly elected mayor, in alphabetical order:

Sarah Beasley (Aontu), Cllr Daniel Butler (Fine Gael), Cllr Frankie Daly (Independent), Ruairi Fahy (People Before Profit-Solidarity), Dr Laura Keyes (no party listed), Brian Leddin (Green Party), John Moran (Independent), Caitriona Ni Chathain (no party listed), Helen O’Donnell (Independent), Cllr Elisa O’Donovan (Social Democrats), Colm O Morain (No party listed), Maurice Quinlivan (Sinn Fein), Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail), Cllr Conor Sheehan (Labour), Gerben Uunk (Party for Animal Welfare).