FF holds fire on whether it will approve Boxer as new councillor

The Fianna Fail group on Westmeath County Council has opted, at this stage, not to confirm whether or not it will be supporting the nomination of Kevin 'Boxer' Moran to replace his son Jamie on the council.

In a statement this morning, the Fianna Fail group said its councillors had a preliminary meeting to discuss the vacancy and said it had not reached any decisions.

The full statement reads:

"The nine Fianna Fail Councillors had a preliminary meeting over the weekend to discuss the vacancy created by the sudden resignation of Jamie Moran from Westmeath County Council late last week.

It is our understanding that a number of people are interested in the position. We have not reached any decisions at this time but we are determined to ensure that this process is open, fair, fully transparent and democratic.

We have no doubt that whoever the new Councillor will be on the 24th of January, he or she will be afforded every cooperation and support possible both from the sitting Councillors and the staff of Westmeath County Council to ensure a professional and efficient transition."

The statement comes in the wake of the decision of Jamie Moran to resign his seat on the council.

Moran nominated his father, former Minister of State and TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, to replace him.

If a vacancy arises the during the lifetime of a council, a new councillor is co-opted to the council. Traditionally, the vacancy is filled by the nominee of the outgoing councillor or their party. However, it is a decision of the full council and any candidate would have to secure the support of the majority of the council.

Fianna Fail with nine of the remaining 19 council seats will be the key element in deciding the identify of any new councillor.