Court battle for seat worthwhile, says councillor
James McCartan has been co-opted onto Tramore Town Council in Co Waterford after a court battle to serve his community.
Both he and another independent candidate, Ted O’Keeffe, were not elected in last June’s local elections.
When both men sought to be co-opted onto the council last November following the resignation of fellow independent candidate, Betty Twomey, they were deemed ineligible because they had not submitted their campaign expenses within 90 days of the vote, as is required under law.
Upon taking their case to the Circuit Civil Court last week, they were asked to submit their expenses within seven days.
Mr McCartan did so, as did his unsuccessful running mate. Mr McCartan was co-opted onto the authority on Tuesday night. “It was a tough legal battle. But it was all very worthwhile. I didn’t submit my expenses at the time because I truly forgot to do so. I was so disappointed with the election result.”
He has vowed now to focus on boosting tourism in Tramore and attracting more anglers to the seaside town.
“Tramore is a lovely bay and my priority now is to develop it as part of a tourist programme for the region. It could be a haven for anglers and the tourist season could be elongated in the area, not just around the peak season as currently happens,” he said.
Councillors who resign their seats before an election are not replaced by the holding of a by-election as is the case for members of the Dáil. Mr O’Keeffe achieved 139 first preferences in his second attempt at election to the council in June, while Mr McCartan, a late entrant in the contest, polled 79 first preferences.
