Four times Mayor Godfrey has town’s best interests at heart
NEW LOCAL MAYOR OUTLINES HIS VISION FOR DROGHEDA
IF third time’s the charm, Cllr Frank Godfrey must lead the most charmed of lives, as he begins his fourth term of office as Mayor of Drogheda.
One of Drogheda’s most colourful characters in and out of the political arena, the Independent councillor has dedicated his life to the town for over 40 years.
And in a career which has seen him going from topping three polls in 1979 to losing his seat in 2004, no one rises from the ashes more often than this man.
“My heart and soul are in Drogheda – the town is in my blood, my bones and in every cell of my body,” Cllr Godfrey said in his acceptance speech at last Monday’s council meeting.
“Everything I have ever done – and will do over the coming year as Mayor – will be for Drogheda and its people.”
Cllr Godfrey received seven votes from a possible ten, as Sinn Fein Cllr Joanna Byrne was defeated after being proposed by her party colleague David Saurin. Kenneth Flood was absent.
Using his usual passionate language, he outlined his plans for Drogheda, in this important year for the town.
“It’s a vision of communities and businesses working together to enhance this historic town. Like we see in the Westgate vision programme, which I wholeheartedly welcome as I have been advocating a rejuvenation for Narrow West Street area for years,” he said.
“It’s a town of tourism and visitors – and we hope to welcome up to a half a million extra people onto the streets of Drogheda over the week of the Fleadh this year. Let’s build on this. I’m encouraging businesses and the public in the town to put out flowers, hanging baskets and bunting to welcome these visitors this August.”
He also proposed a Fleadh commemorative stamp, the re-instatement of Drogheda Borough Council and a locally-based Town Manager.
Glowing tributes were paid to the new Mayor from his fellow councillors, including the defeated candidate Cllr Byrne, who said ‘it wasn’t about the esteem or the power with Cllr Godfrey, it was about Drogheda’.
Cllr Kevin Callan was voted in as Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, the second time he has held the position, having served as Mayor twice.