New power-sharing deal ‘opportunity to change’ as Cllr Mary Shields elected

A last-minute power-sharing deal secured the election of Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Shields as the new Lord Mayor of Cork last night.

The D’Hondt system, a version of which has been adopted by city councillors, will usher in a new era of inclusivity, Sinn Féin insisted, rejecting criticism that it is a continuation of the pact system which has dominated the council chamber for the last three decades.

Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and three Independents — Cllrs Mick Finn, Paudie Dineen and Thomas Moloney — supported Fianna Fáil’s nomination of Ms Shields which saw her beat Anti Austerity Alliance (AAA) nominee, Cllr Lil O’Donnell, 26 votes to four.