Michael Holland co-opted to council to replace late Anthony Waldron

Ballintubber native Michael Holland was formally co-opted to Roscommon County Council to replace the late Anthony Waldron at a special council meeting on Monday.

Mr Holland secured the seat on the local authority following an open vote by elected members.

Thirteen of the seventeen councillors voted for Mr Holland while another candidate Gail Murray received three votes from Independent councillors Valerie Byrne and Tony Ward along with Sinn Féin councillor Leah Cull. The third candidate Ernie Draper received no votes.

Independent Ireland councillor Nigel Dineen abstained from the vote, explaining it was a very difficult decision for him to make given his very strong connections to Ballintubber.

The voting power of the ruling coalition on the council ensured that Mr Holland comfortably had the necessary votes to fill the seat which was left vacant following the untimely death of Cllr Waldron in February.

The power sharing alliance of twelve councillors comprising five Fianna Fáil, four Fine Gael and three Independents, Tom Crosby, Laurence Fallon and Emer Kelly, had already agreed to back Mr Holland in advance of today's special meeting.

He received all of those votes including one from Independent councillor Micheál Frain.

Cllr Holland becomes the third new councillor to enter the chamber in as many months.

At Monday’s special meeting, the vote involved three candidates bidding for the seat - Mr Holland, Gail Murray, also from Ballintubber, and Monkland’s Ernie Draper. A fourth nominee Mairead Kenny from Donamon previously withdrew her nomination on May 21st.

In his maiden address in the chamber, Independent Cllr Holland thanked the elected members for placing their trust in him along with the support of his family, friends and campaign team.

He also thanked the Waldron family for supporting him and commended the calibre of the other candidates and for putting their names forward.

He said it was a great honour and privilege to serve on Roscommon County Council. Pointing out that the role was a responsibility he would not be taking lightly, he said he would serve with dedication and integrity.

The new councillor pledged his commitment to carry on the good work of his lifelong friend Anthony Waldron. He said he was committed to completing a number of projects that Mr Waldron had been involved in.

He said he would like to name a jetty and a park in honour of the late councillor. Cllr Crosby made a formal proposal to that effect during the meeting.

Cllr Holland was congratulated by his fellow members who also commiserated with the other candidates.

Welcoming the family and friends of Cllr Holland in the council gallery, Council Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice said it was a proud day for everyone involved.

Congratulating Cllr Holland on behalf of the council executive, Council CEO Shane Tiernan said it was a very proud and privileged day for him and his family.

During the meeting, Mr Tiernan and many of the councillors remembered the late Cllr Anthony Waldron and his significant contribution to the county.

Proposed by Cllr Fitzmaurice, a moment of remembrance was observed for the late councillor.

(See more in tomorrow's edition of the Roscommon Herald)