Postmaster gets stamp of approval for mayor’s job

A 37-YEAR-OLD postmaster from Castletownebere is poised to become the youngest mayor of Ireland’s largest local authority.

Councillor Noel Harrington, was selected in a secret ballot by Fine Gael to replace the sitting mayor of County Cork, Councillor Tom Sheahan.

Mr Harrington, a married father of two young boys, beat off the challenge of Ballincollig-based Councillor Derry Canty to become heir-apparent.

The result of the ballot was not made public by Fine Gael.

The party has 24 councillors in the 48-strong chamber. With the alliance of Independent Councillor Noel Collins, it has the majority. It is therefore viewed as a foregone conclusion that Mr Harrington will be elected the next mayor when the local authority holds its annual general meeting on June 27. Mr Harrington’s late father, Donie, was also an elected member of Cork County Council. He died in 1981, while still a serving councillor.

Mr Harrington is known as a very effective speaker and is extremely popular in the council chamber.