*Pat O’Gorman. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
Former Mayor of Clare, Pat O’Gorman is to return to Clare County Council, sixteen years on from last serving as a Councillor.
A county councillor from 1999 to 2004, O’Gorman unsuccessfully contested local elections in 2004, 2009 and 2014. The Cratloe man received the nomination from party members to fill the seat vacated by Cathal Crowe (FF).
98 party members within the Shannon Comhairle Ceanntair were eligible to vote at Sunday’s convention, 88 votes were cast at Treacys Oakwood Hotel. Five individuals were on the ballot paper, Emma Begley, Noel Broggy, Robert Frost, Louise McNamara and Pat O’Gorman. Fianna Fáil members from across the county that were not able to cast a vote gathered in Shannon to hear the outcome of the convention.
Twenty year old Begley who is the grand-daughter of Cllr Michael Begley (IND) withdrew her name from the contest on Sunday afternoon leaving just four in the race. She has been touted by several Fianna Fáil members as a future local election candidate.
As per the agreement of the candidates, no breakdown of the vote was provided to members. Transfers were crucial in determining the final result. The Clare Echo understands that Louise McNamara received the most first preferences but Pat O’Gorman benefited more on transfers including getting the number two for every vote given to Noel Broggy.
O’Gorman will be co-opted onto Clare County Council on Monday evening and retain the title of Cllr O’Gorman. His father previously served as an elected representative on the local authority and was also co-opted in 1971.
Further reaction from Sunday’s convention will appear in The Clare Echo on Thursday and across the week online.
