Cribbin tipped to be new Cathaoirleach

Cribbin tipped to be new Cathaoirleach


Anton McNulty

BALLYHAUNIS councillor John Cribbin is expected to be elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council at the first meeting of the new Council this Friday.
The Fine Gael man who was first elected to the Council in 1999 is widely tipped within Fine Gael circles to replace Cllr Joe Mellett as Cathaoirleach of the Council. The Ballyhaunis farmer was one of Fine Gael’s top vote getters in the recent election, polling an impressive 1,981. He is also seen as a loyal party man after stepping aside as a candidate for the last General Election to make way for John O’Mahony.
With a clear majority in the Council chamber, Fine Gael will be able to elect the next five Cathaoirleachs without the help of Independents or another party and the rumour mill regarding who will follow Cllr Cribbin has been on overdrive.
The likely candidates to wear the Cathaoirleach’s chain are Cllr John O’Malley from Westport, Cllr Patsy O’Brien from Hollymount who was the top vote-getter in Mayo, Cllr Michelle Mulherin from Ballina, Cllr Tom Connolly from Claremorris and Cllr Jarlath Munnelly also in the mix.
The decision over who will be elected Leas-Cathaoirleach is expected to be made this evening by the Fine Gael party, with councillors who served as a Leas-Cathaoirleach during the last term not expected to be considered.