CLLR FITZ QUITS
NOW MALLOW HAS JUST ONE REPRESENTATIVE ON CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
THE fallout from the controversial local government reforms, which saw the abolition of town councils, has come home to roost for Mallow town, which has been left with just a single representative on Cork County Council.
This comes after it emerged that Fianna Fail’s Daniel Fitzgerald has resigned his council seat, leaving Sinn Fein’s Melissa Mullane as the sole sitting councillor from Mallow town.
Former county councillor Batt Donegan has been hotly tipped to be Mr Fitzgerald’s replacement.
The current situation is a far cry from the days prior to the scrapping of town councils when Mallow, one of the busiest towns in the county, had nine town councillors representing the local community, with many of those also representing the town at full council level.
The resignation of Mr Fitzgerald also means that none of the three main political parties – Fianna Fail, Fine Gael or Labour – currently have a county councillor representing Mallow town.
Meanwhile, the Duhallow region has four councillors.
The situation in Mallow town is mirrored in nearby Fermoy, which also has just one representative from the town, Fine Gael’s Noel McCarthy, sitting on the council.
Three of the Fermoy Municipal District councillors live in Mitchelstown, one in Glanworth and one in Charleville.
THE news that Mallow Fianna Fail county councillor Daniel Fitzgerald has resigned his seat on the authority has been met with shock and surprise by his council colleagues.
Mr Fitzgerald, the director of Mallow based Fitzgerald Construction, said that while he enjoyed his time as a councillor he had found it increasingly difficult to combine the role with his work commitments.
The 37-year-old father of three was co-opted onto the council for the Kanturk/Mallow electoral area in June following the death of his father, the hugely respected former Mallow town mayor Dan Joe Fitzgerald.
“My father had served for more than 20-years with great responsibility and dignity and I had sincerely hoped that I would continue his legacy,” Mr Fitzgerald told The Corkman.
“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen business responsibilities I had to make the difficult decision to tender my resignation [from the council],” he added.
Mr Fitzgerald said he had “truly enjoyed” his time as a county councillor and was keen to complement his colleagues for their help during his time in office.
“Especially members in the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal Area. They welcomed me and respected me in a way that would have made my father proud to have been their friend and colleague,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
He said that elected members “rarely get the recognition they deserve”.
“The work that goes on behind the scenes is truly phenomenal and the dedication and personal sacrifice of councillors needs to be recognised,” he said.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have helped and guided me over the past number of months as I found my feet,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
While his Kanturk/Mallow area colleagues expressed their surprise at Mr Fitzgerald’s shock decision, they all said that they could appreciate the reason behind it.
Sinn Fein’s Melissa Mullane said that public life takes huge commitment and time.
“I am sorry to see Daniel go but I am only too aware of how difficult it is to juggle work and council commitments,” she said.
Cllr Gerard Murphy (FG) agreed, saying that the role of a county councillor was, in reality, a full-time job.
“I found Daniel to be an excellent and helpful councillor but essentially having two jobs was always going to be difficult. I think Daniel has been very wise in deciding where his priorities lie,” said Cllr Murphy.
Cllr John Paul O’Shea (Ind) said the workload for councillors increased dramatically following local government reforms.
“I can understand why Daniel took this decision, which was one that I know he did not take lightly. I wish him and his family all the best for the future,” he said.
Cllr Timmy Collins (Ind) said he too was surprised at the move.
“You have to be committed to be a councillor and if it does not suit your life then it is best to step back for your own sake and that of your constituents,” he said.
Fianna Fail’s Bernard Moynihan said he had enjoyed working alongside Mr Fitzgerald and it was disappointing that the party had lost its Mallow representation.
However, he declined to comment on speculation that former county councillor Bart Donegan may be the front runner to take up the vacant seat.
“This will now go to a selection convention for Daniel’s replacement to be co-opted,” said Cllr Moynihan.
“It is important that the local Fianna Fail branch have a meeting to identify possible candidates as soon as possible,” he added.