Cooney "privileged" to be new cathaoirleach

Westmeath County Council's recently elected cathaoirleach, Councillor Mark Cooney, says that he is looking forward to his new position despite the many challenges that lie ahead in the coming year. The Glasson based solicitor, who has been a councillor for the past 13 years, was elected to the position of cathaoirleach at last Monday's meeting of Westmeath County Council. Proposed by Fine Gael colleague Councillor Frank McDermott and seconded by Councillor Joe Flanagan, this is Cllr. Cooney's first tenure as Cathaoirleach. Speaking after he received his chain of office, the new Cathaoirleach said that after his "lengthy apprenticeship" he was privileged to be elected to the post. "I am aware of the high standards set by my predecessors and I will do my best over the next ten months to match them," he said. Cllr. Cooney added that while he was "congnisant of the difficult" challenges that lie ahead, he is looking forward to his new role. Cllr Cooney said that although he was aware that he would have many new responsibilities, he would not be ignoring projects in his own electoral area such as the improvements to Athlone's drainage scheme. He also thanked his wife Anne and daughter Eva for their "continued indulgence." Paying tribute to his party colleague, Cllr. McDermott said that throughout his political career Cllr. Cooney had proved himself as someone with an "academic mind and vision." Labour's Ger Corcoran was elected Leas Cathaoirleach. He was proposed by party colleague Councillor Denis Leonard and seconded by Cllr. McDermott. Cllr. Leonard said that Cllr. Corcoran was a man of "great ability" who was very committed to Kilbeggan, to his county and to civic life. Both the cathaoirleach and leas cathaoirleach were elected unopposed.The election of Cllr. Cooney, brings Councillor Michael Dollard's latest tenure as cathaoirleach to a close. Looking over the past ten months, the Mullingar East representative praised his colleagues from across the political spectrum for their encouragement and support.Paying tribute to Cllr. Dollard, Fine Gael's most senior figure, Cllr. McDermott, said that he had performed his role with distinction and it would be remembered for a long time to come. Fianna Fail's Paddy Hill described Cllr. Dollard as an "outstanding chairperson" who never allowed politics into the chamber.