Fianna Fáil takes Kerry County Council chair by one vote

Fianna Fáil Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald has been chosen as chair of Kerry County Council.

Mr Fitzgerald, who represents the Corca Dhuibhne electoral area, was voted in with the support of his party colleagues, as well as Fine Gael and Labour.

He received 17 votes for the position of cathaoirleach, one more than Independent Councillor Brendan Cronin of Killarney.

Cllr Fitzgerald is the son of the late county councillor and senator Tom Fitzgerald.

The 50-year-old was proposed by Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald of the adjoining Castlieland Local Electoral Area, which forms the Corca-Dhuibhne-Castleisland Municipal District.

He was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Cahill, who represents Kenmare.

Mr Cronin was proposed for the role by Kenmare’s Johnny Healy Rae – an Independent councillor – and seconded by Killlarney Councillor John O’Donoghue of the Kerry Independent Alliance.

He was supported by Sinn Féin and other independent members.

Cllr Fitzgerald said that the Irish language, social and affordable housing, serviced sites and the advancement of Co Kerry’s new national parks are his priorities as council chair.

In his acceptance speech, he said his “focus in the year ahead will be on promoting the county nationally and internationally, securing increased investment for the county, and enhancing the facilities and services which Kerry County Council provides to the people of Kerry”.

Independent Councillor Charlie Farrelly, who represents the Castleisland Local Electoral Area, urged the TDs and senators who were in the chamber for the election to tackle “the absolutely disgraceful” abuse experienced during the election campaign.

In an emotional appeal, he thanked his family and fellow councillors for their support after he and colleagues, Independent Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae and Fine Gael’s Bobby O’Connell, were attacked online.

“Please, please do something to change the law to make owners of online platforms responsible,” Mr Farrelly said to a round of applause from the packed chamber and public area.