Calls to have title of Mayor restored
MOST IN FAVOUR OF POSTITION RETURNING
MAYOR or no mayor for Sligo?
That’s the question now arising in the aftermath of the changes to the structure of local government.
With the abolition of Sligo Borough Council, the position of “mayor” was discontinued.
But there are now calls to have the title restored.
CEO of Sligo Chamber Paul Keyes said: “I would welcome a reversion to the title of ‘ mayor.’
“In the case of visitors and visiting delegations, the title of mayor has a worldwide resonance.
“As such it has the facility to promote Sligo in a better light.
“There has been a long tradition of Sligo having its own mayor.
“Our view is that the title of mayor should be retained.”
But that raises other questions, such as is it the municipal committee or the council itself which has the power to reintroduce the term?
Council CEO Ciaran Hayes says this is not an issue.
He added: “It’s a matter for the members of the municipal district.
“There is provision in the legislation for it.
“If the municipal district decide to go that route, it’s a matter for them.”
The general feeling is that the chairman of the Sligo Municipal District should be the “mayor.”
Former Town Clerk John McNabola asked: “Does Sligo municipal committee have the power to call the chairman’s title ‘ mayor?’ “I think that’s the question.” Mr McNabola added: “The term ‘ mayor’ is a municipal term that has applied to Sligo for 400 years.
“It’s embedded in the culture of Sligo. I think it’s important, if you are trying to promote Sligo.
“This term is something visitors relate to, to someone of standing in their own area and they put a value on it.”
Former Mayor Tom MacSharry is the current chairman of the Sligo Municipal District.
He said: “Fianna Fail supports the initiative to retain the title of mayor.
“Given the fact that other former borough councils – Kilkenny, Clonmel and Drogheda – have all unanimously retained their mayor, Sligo should also do likewise.
“We are hopeful the other parties and Independents will support this.”
Clr MacSharry pointed out Environment Minister Phil Hogan had promised Sligo could retain its position of “mayor.”
Sligo’s longest- serving councillor Declan Bree said: “The Borough of Sligo had a Council and Mayor for the past 400 years.
“The first citizen was called a Provost in the early years.
“Last month the government and Minister Hogan abolished the Borough Council and the post of Mayor and handed power over to the County Council.
“The government decision to abolish town councils reduces the level of public accountability and it is totally at odds with what is happening in every other European country.
“The new Municipal District Committees have no power and are nothing other than glorified sub- committees of the County Council.
“To suggest that such a sub- committee has the same status as a Borough Council is ridiculous.
“Phil Hogan says Councillors have the discretion to describe the cathaoirleach of a Municipal District committee as Mayor.
“However I believe that we would only be fooling ourselves if we were to suggest that the post of cathaoirleach of a County Council sub- committee was the equivalent to the position of Mayor of Sligo.
“In my view we should be seeking the re- establishment of the Borough Council with a real Mayor for Sligo.”