Calls for title ‘Mayor of Killarney’ to be restored

A pact between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour yesterday ensured the election of FG Cllr Pat McCarthy as chairman of Kerry County Council.

A native of Ballymacelligott, Tralee, he defeated independent Cllr Donal Grady, Killarney, who had the support of fellow independents and Sinn Féin, on a 19-11 vote. FG Cllr Jim Finucane was elected vice-chairman.

New chairpersons for Kerry’s four municipal districts were also elected, with FF Cllr Thomas McEllistrim becoming mayor of Tralee. He defeated independent Cllr Sam Locke on a 6-2 vote.