This article is from page 18 of the 2007-07-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
THE new mayor of Clare was quick to put her mark on her term in office, as she vowed to tackle one of the most contentious issues facing Clare Soliiia Seale
Just minutes after she made history by becoming the first woman elected to the chair of the local authority, the straight talking politician told the members that she would like to see the planning issue in the county re- solved.
‘At the start of the council in 2004, we promised an audit of planning. I would like to see that being carried out by an independent academic, who would give us a report in a set period of time.
“It we continue to have that frac- tious issue over the council for the coming year we will do untold dam- age to the council.
“IT would ask everyone to take a deep breath, stand back from plan- ning and see if we can sort plan- ny b ayo
As one of just two female members in Clare County Council, Councillor McCarthy is well aware of the chal- lenges facing women in politics hav- ing been first elected to the council When she was the mother of three boys under six.
‘Women make up 50 per cent of the population and the council chamber should reflect society. I would ask women to look at politics as a ca-
reer,’ she said.
The newly elected mayor was also conscious of the need for a secure future at Shannon Airport and told
her fellow colleagues “it beholds us all to recognise the sacrifices of the employees.”
In front of a packed public gal-
lery, which included her three sons and her father John O’Connell, Cllr McCarthy was nominated as the first citizen of Clare by fellow Independ- ent councillor Martin Lafferty.
In his nomination Cllr Lafferty paid tribute to the councillors deep involvement in community affairs, and named just some of her political achievements including being one of the first women elected to the coun- cil, first female chair of SPC, her service to the health board and other political authorities.
He described her as a good con- tributor to the council and “sharp on Cle oy rome
Seconding her nomination Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) said, “I think the pinnacle of her career in local gov- ernment is here today.”
The first female mayor of Clare in the 107 years of the council was elected unopposed and with the support of all the councillors in the chamber.
In congratulating his replacement, outgoing mayor Cllr Flan Garvey quipped, “I will go down in history as the first mayor of Clare to kiss the incoming mayor.”