Cllr Jason Murphy is new Mayor of Waterford as pact keeps Sinn Féin out

Fianna Fáil's Councillor Jason Murphy is the new Mayor of Waterford City and County, following his election at the Annual General Meeting of the incoming Plenary Council, which took place on Friday, June 21, in City Hall.

The AGM marked the beginning of a five-year term for the new members, which include a number of first-time councillors among their ranks following the local elections on June 7.

Cllr Murphy was nominated for the position of Mayor by his Fianna Fáil party colleague, Councillor Adam Wyse, who was himself elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.

In making his nomination Cllr Wyse was full of praise for Cllr Murphy and said it was his privilege to do so.

"Jason and I have served many years of service on this Council," said Cllr Wyse, commenting that they had both "pretty much learned the ropes together" within the chamber. 

He said Cllr Murphy, coming from Larchville, was a proud Waterford man who was dedicated to the people of the city and county. 

He noted that he was supported by a wonderful family, who were present in the chamber. Cllr Wyse noted that Cllr Murphy's father, Michael, was in attendance and commented: "Michael is a proud Fianna Fáil man but an even prouder father, I am sure, at this moment to witness this. I also know that Jason's mother, Annette would be incredibly proud to see her son become the first citizen of Waterford."

Cllr Wyse's nomination address was at times witty, referencing Cllr Murphy's time working with Morris's DIY and how when someone would ask him for assistance he would "promptly go and find someone who actually knew what they were talking about".

However, despite the humorous comments, which was taken in very good spirits, the respect Cllr Wyse had for his party colleague was obvious.

"As we start this new Council term we need somebody experienced, somebody approachable and ready to lead with both heart and humour and I personally believe Jason Murphy is that person," said Cllr Wyse. Cllr Wyse's nomination of Cllr Murphy was seconded by Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan (FG), who said it gave her great pleasure to do so.

"He would make an excellent Mayor and it's wonderful to see his family here today," she said. Cllr O'Sullivan said it was also indicative of the type of person Cllr Murphy is that he managed to get a Fine Gael member and a Sinn Féin member to mind his dog, Bertie, while away on holidays.

"That shows he can manage anything and anybody," she said.

"He did that over a two-year period and I don't think the Sinn Féin member or myself realised that each of us was minding Bertie," she said.

She then wished him the best of luck in the role. 

Cllr Murphy's appointment comes after previously having served as Mayor for the Metropolitan District of Waterford City. 

Sinn Féin's Councillor Conor McGuinness, seconded by Councillor Joeanne Bailey, proposed his party colleague Councillor Jim Griffin for the role of Mayor of Waterford City and County, and Councillor Mary Roche, from the Social Democrats, proposed Independent Councillor David Daniels for the position. Her proposal was seconded by Independent Councillor Donal Barry. 

Political Pact

However, when the matter went to a recorded vote it was Cllr Murphy who received the majority support within the chamber with 21 votes. These came from all the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour members and five Independents, who had formed a pact, leaving Sinn Féin out of play for Mayoral positions across the term of the current Council. 

The Independents to supported the pact included Cllrs Declan Clune (formerly Sinn Féin), Declan Barry, Joe Kelly, Joe Conway and Blaise Hannigan. As a result, the Mayors for the next five years will be: Liam Brazil (FG), Damien Geoghegan (FG), Seamus Ryan (Lab) and Eamon Quinlan (FF).

The AGM was attended by all 32 Council members, the Council executive, Matt Shanahan TD, several former Oireachtas members, clergy members, including Bishop Cullinane, and several former mayors. The Council Chamber’s public gallery was also full to capacity with family members and well-wishers of those elected.

During the meeting, the newly elected Mayor thanked everyone in attendance for bestowing "the honour" of being Mayor on him and expressed his gratitude towards voters at the recent local elections. He also thanked his family for their support, as well as the outgoing mayor Cllr. Joe Conway, promising to work diligently to represent Waterford and address the concerns of all constituents.

"I am honoured to take on the role of Mayor of this great city and county," he said.

"I am committed to continuing the work of my predecessors and representing all the people of Waterford from Tallow in the west, to Dunmore in the east," he added.

Cllrs Murphy, Wyse and each political grouping added their sentiments and best wishes to the outgoing Mayor, Cllr. Joe Conway. In his outgoing address, Cllr. Conway bid a warm welcome to the seven newly elected councillors present, noting that the Council now had a broad range of experience to draw on. 

Speaking briefly on his election to the office of Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Adam Wyse said: "It is a privilege to be elected as Deputy Mayor and I look forward to working alongside Cllr. Murphy to address the needs of our constituents and make a positive impact on our city and county."

This year's AGM was particularly noteworthy as it followed the recent local elections, which resulted in the addition of seven new councillors to the council. At the same time, five sitting councillors lost their seats, with two sitting councillors not standing for re-election. Two former councillors regained their seats.