As they congregated for their first meeting since May’s local elections, successful candidates in the Shannon Municipal District set out their stall for the next five years by pinpointing the future of Shannon Airport as the biggest concern.
Mike McKee is expected to return to political office later this year with the Sinn Féin councillor to undergo a medical procedure in the coming weeks.
*Cllr Gerry Flynn. Photograph: Gary Collins Gerry Flynn has been re-elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District.
*Michael Begley. Photograph: Martin Connolly In Clare politics, being the Mayor in an election year is a risky position, for Michael Begley this gamble paid off.
*John Crowe. Photograph: Martin Connolly A need for a councillor in Sixmilebridge plus the recognition of the parish having a voice on Clare County Council is well understood according to John Crowe.
*Cathal Crowe and his supporters celebrate. Photograph: Martin Connolly Cathal Crowe’s upcoming General Election bid has taken flight following his greatest political performance.
*Cllr PJ Ryan. Photograph: Martin Connolly Sunday saw PJ Ryan receive his highest vote in politics contesting his fifth local election, the third occasion in which he was successful.
*Garret McPhillips. Photograph: Martin Connolly Garret McPhillips has stopped his Fine Gael party from taking legal action following the outcome of a recheck in a dramatic Shannon Municipal District election count on Sunday.
*Photograph: Eamon Ward Six of Clare’s twenty eight councillors attended all Municipal District meetings over the last five years.
Though seven sitting councillors are competing against three challengers for the seven seats on offer, the Shannon MD will be a lot tighter than what is suggested on paper.
