-
-
Author: Harry McGee
~ 2 minutes read
World of Politics with Harry McGee
There have been moments in the past when the Mayor of Galway has made national headlines – and for vastly disparate reasons. But each offers an insight into the role of a First Citizen.
Paddy Ryan welcomed John F Kennedy the US President made his famous visit to Galway in 1963. Bridie O’Flaherty gave the Ska band Bad Manners huge publicity in the early 1980s by objecting to their gig in Leisureland and lambasting their lead singer Buster Bloodvessel. It guaranteed a sell-out! More recently, Mike Cubbard, had to speak out after his own family were subjected to threats because of his office.
It’s an important role. For anyone who is elected to the position by their fellow councillors, it’s a huge honour for them and for their families. But when it comes to exerting any power, forget about it.
All mayoral positions in Ireland (including those of Lord Mayor in Dublin) are ceremonial and symbolic. The hole of the office can bring influence and political nous to bear but they can’t make the kind of decisions that will influence the direction of the city.
All that is going to change – or begin to change at least – from next year.
Not for Galway just yet, but if it works elsewhere, at some stage in the next decade Galway will have its own directly-elected mayor.
Limerick will be the test case because its citizens will vote for its first directly-elected mayor at the same time as the local and European elections next year.
The position carries a big salary, over €130,000 and the powers will be extensive.
The Bill to allow for the direct elections has been approved by the Government. I presume it will be introduced to the Dáil during the autumn session and, if approved by the Oireachtas, will be enacted by the end of the year, paving the way for the historic first in June 2024.
Pictured: Golden days…the then-Mayor of Galway Paddy Ryan with President John F Kennedy in 1963.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune:
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
More like this:
University of Galway study finds that seeing yourself on Zoom and Teams causes fatigue
A study of brain activity has confirmed users’ fears that viewing your own image on video confere...
Big turn-out for launch of Barna/Knocknacarra Irish Language Plan
A large crowd, young and old, gathered in Áras Mhic Amhlaigh recently for the launch of the Barna...
Organ donor families fund refurbished ICU Family Rooms in memory of their loved ones
Two family rooms in the Intensive Care Unit at UHG have recently been refurbished for use by fami...
Catherine Connolly says “penny hasn’t dropped” with Government on meaningful climate action
The “penny hasn’t dropped” with the Government when it comes to the importance ...
Aquisition of Galway company creates largest renewable services
A leading Irish firm has acquired a Galway company, creating one of the largest renewable energy ...
Gort teen is big winner as five Galway artists are recognised in Texaco Children’s Art Competition
A teenage artist from Gort was the big winner as Galway took home five prizes from this year’s 70...
Galway poets make final crowdfunding push to bring Poetry Jukebox to the West
It looks like the periscope in a submarine – but this is a concept to take to the highways and by...
Galway graduate suggests greater use of sport to promote daily use of the language
A young Galway man with a passion for sport and the Irish language has told a Dáil committee that...
Carrabane pupils to feature in online magazine with rap about Sustainable Development Goals
The work of pupils from Carrabane School has featured in an online magazine. It features the work...