Offaly to get two new councillors

With Offaly's two new first-time TDs, Tony McCormack and John Clendennen, settling into their new roles this week, attention has already turned to the question of who will replace them on Offaly County Council.

Under current rules, if a sitting councillor who belongs to a party is elected to the Dáil, then the “casual vacancy”, as it’s known, is to be occupied by someone from the same political party.

While the outgoing councillor can campaign on behalf of their potential replacement, the ultimate decision is made by party members in the respective area at a selection convention.

Newly-elected Fianna Fail TD for Offaly Tony McCormack, who was himself co-opted onto Offaly County County Council in 2017 to fill the casual vacancy created following the departure of Sinéad Dooley, said the party process to select his replacement is already underway.

“It is not in my gift to decide who replaces me” he said.

“It's a matter for the party members, and it will be decided at a convention of members from the Tullamore Comhairle Dail Ceanntair.”

Deputy McCormack said he expects a convention to be held “as soon as possible” to decide the name of the party member who will replace him.

“I haven't heard any names mentioned yet, but we will definitely have a new councillor in place early in January.”

Likewise in Fine Gael, the process to select a replacement for their outgoing councillor and new TD, John Clendennen is also underway.

“There will certainly be no coronation on my part as it's not my decision to make,” said Deputy Clendennen.

“Any party member who is nominated will have to go before a meeting of the Birr Fine Gael District for ratification.”

Deputy Clendennen said he expects that a new Fine Gael councillor will be co-opted onto Offaly County Council “within the next week or two, and certainly before the New Year.”