'A man of integrity': Tributes to Cork City sheriff and election returning officer on his retirement

Event at City Hall marked retirement of Martin A Harvey after 30 years

Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle with outgoing sheriff and returning officer for Cork City Council Martin A Harvey and his grandchildren Charlie and Robyn Harvey, Louis Rock, and Milly Murray at a civic reception in City Hall. Picture: Darragh Kane

The man who played a key role in the democratic process in Cork for more than 30 years has been accorded a civic reception ahead of his retirement.

Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle hosted the event in City Hall on Wednesday in honour of Cork City sheriff Martin A Harvey, who is also the city’s returning officer. 

He retires in a few months.

Returning officers are responsible for the conduct of local government and Dáil elections, including publishing the notice of election, administering the nomination process, printing the ballot papers, publishing the notice of poll, statement of persons nominated, and notice of situation of polling stations.

Rebecca Loughry, director of services community culture and placemaking, Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle, outgoing sheriff and returning officer Martin A Havey and Eimear Harvey at City Hall.

They are also responsible for the provision of polling stations, appointing presiding officers and poll clerks, managing the postal voting process, and crucially, for verifying and counting the votes and declaring the result.

Mr Harvey oversaw his first election some 35 years ago. The 2024 general election last November was his last.

“Any of us with an interest or involvement in elections in Cork will be familiar with Martin’s reassuring, calm presence at count centres in the city for more than three decades," Mr Boyle said.

As custodian of our democratic process, Martin’s integrity, his openness, and transparency has earned him the respect of everyone involved in politics. I wish him and his family well for the future.

Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan paid tribute to Mr Harvey's integrity and professionalism.

“He always worked collaboratively with our own team in City Hall and on behalf of us all, I wish Martin, his team, and his family the very best for the future,” she said.

Speaking after the last general election count, Mr Harvey paid tribute to the Irish election system, describing the paper-based proportional representation system as “fool-proof”.