A new dawn as Deputy Byrne heads for Dáil
ATTENTION LOCALLY NOW TURNS TO WHO WILL TAKE HIS COUNCIL SEAT
It’s a new day for former councillor Malcolm Byrne, who takes his first steps in to the Dáil chambers today (Tuesday) to take part in his first sitting as an elected TD for Wexford.
Although he topped the polls in the local elections in his district back in May, just over six months later he now leaves his County Council seat vacant, along with the title and position of Cathoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.
Although Leas Cathoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan will step up to the plate and take the position of Cathoirleach locally, the question remains open as to who will be opted on to the Council to take Malcolm Byrne’s place as a Fianna Fáil councillor.
Speaking to councillors locally, there appears already to be interest expressed, but Malcolm Byrne TD says that there is still some time yet.
‘Having just come from Saturday’s count to starting straight in to it, there is no real rest in between.
‘I don’t know who will take my seat on the Council but it will be filled in due course by the Fianna Fail organisation. No decision has yet been made, but there are a few people who are interested.
‘It can’t be filled until January at the earliest and I imagine discussions will take place internally within the party.
‘It is important that whoever fills the post is prepared to take on the work, and I will be working closely with them as a TD,’ he said.
But with a general election expected in 2020, it will be a quick turn around and Malcolm’s time as TD has every possibility to be something short lived.
‘I’m looking forward to it as it is an enormous honour. I think about how few people have had the opportunity to represent this county in Leinster House and I’m very appreciative that people have put their trust in me.
‘For those who didn’t vote for me, I will work to the best of my ability and I hope to earn their trust as a TD as I very much plan to work for everybody’.
Malcolm plans to open a constituency office locally, something he is currently negotiating.
‘I am making the arrangements but it has been a quick turn around period. It’s like starting a new job, you’d usually have a bit of time to prepare, but I’m straight in off a campaign.
‘I will take a leave of absence from my job as head of communications at the Higher Education Authority and if re-elected in the general election, I will be resigning from that role,’ he said.
Fianna Fail councillors locally have said that the branch will be letting the dust settle before sitting down together to discuss what happens next.
‘We haven’t decided anything, but we will be meeting and sitting down in the near future. We might not have chosen anyone before Christmas,’ said Cllr Kenny.
Leas Cathoirleach Joe Sullivan said that about three or four people have expressed interest.
‘Interesting parties will come forward during the co-option process, but we don’t know at this stage what route it’s going to take.
‘There could still be an agreed candidate,’ he said.
But councillors of the Kilmuckridge district say that the co-opted councillor will not come from their area.
‘Malcolm’s is a Gorey seat so we won’t have a say over it, but there is still a long term left of four and half years on the Council as we are only six months in.
‘It’s an uneasy one, but we have had a lot of interest from people of all ages,’ said Cllr Pip Breen.