New Mayor pledges to focus on the community

By Laura Lyne

INDEPENDENT councillor for Lucan and Palmerstown, Guss O’Connell, was elected as the new Mayor for South Dublin County Council at its annual meeting last Friday, June 24.

Labour councillor Martina Genockey for Tallaght South was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor at the meeting, which also saw four councillors elected as chairs of the four area committees.

Sinn Féin councillor Brendan Ferron was elected chair of the Tallaght committee, with his party colleague Jonathan Graham elected chair of the Clondalkin committee.

Independent councillor Liona O’Toole was elected to the role of chair in the Lucan committee, with Fianna Fáil councillor Paul Foley elected chair of the Rathfarnham-Templeogue/ Terenure committee.

Speaking at the meeting, Mayor O’Connell said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor and First Citizen of South Dublin County.

“During my term of office I want to focus on community, in this our centenary year of 1916.

“ I want to give expression to that part of the proclamation that states, we will cherish all our children equally.

“South Dublin County has a very rich spread of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

“I am glad to note that both indigenous and immigrant people play a full and active role in society.

“It’s our job as public representatives to provide the leadership that will enable our communities to be fully integrated and enjoy the quality of live that they deserve.

“I will make myself available during my term as Mayor to do just that and I look forward to doing so with the full support of all councillors.”

Tributes were also paid to the outgoing Mayor of South Dublin, Sinn Féin councillor for Rathfarnham, Sarah Holland and outgoing Deputy Mayor, Green Party councillor for Rathfarnham, Francis Noel Duffy.