Keena elected as new Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council

At the civic centre in his native Athlone, councillor Frankie Keena was this afternon (Monday) elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council for 2021/22.

The Fianna Fáil councillor, who is in his 26th year as a public representative, was chosen to succeed his Mullingar-based party colleague Ken Glynn following a vote at this afternoon's AGM.

In his acceptance speech after being elected to the role, he spoke about the "devastating impact" of the pandemic on families in Westmeath and remembered those who had lost their lives as a result of the virus.

"When the time is right, I will be looking for this local authority to erect an appropriate memorial in their memory," he said.

Cllr Keena added that he would like to see county-wide festivities arranged to celebrate the ending of the pandemic when that time comes.

"When we get the all-clear, and it is safe for large gatherings to meet, I will be requesting that this local authority mark the occasion with music and festivities throughout the county. Our people need a lift," he said.

Cllr Keena was proposed for the role by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke. His opponent for the position, Fine Gael's Cllr Emily Wallace, was proposed by Cllr Tom Farrell who pointed out that no female councillor had ever been appointed chairperson of the local authority in Westmeath.

When the vote was taken, Cllr Keena succeded by 12 votes to 8. He was supported by councillors Bill Collentine, Aoife Davitt, Michael Dollard, Ken Glynn, Louise Heavin, Paddy Hill, Vinny McCormack, Liam McDaniel, Aengus O'Rourke, John Shaw and Hazel Smyth.

Cllr Wallace received votes from councillors John Dolan, Andrew Duncan, Tom Farrell, Denis Leonard, Frank McDermott, Jamie Moran and Johnny Penrose.

Describing the role of Cathaoirleach, or first citizen, of the county as a "massive honour," Cllr Keena said it was "good to see this prestigious position coming to Athlone, as the town embraces its status as a regional growth centre."

He spoke about the increasing demands on councillors' time and thanked his wife, Siobhan, and family for their support in what he said was now a seven-day workload for local representatives.

"While (councillors) are representative of various political parties, and none, we all have the one common objective which is to serve our constituents to the best of our ability and to make Westmeath the premier county in the country to live in, work, and enjoy," he said.

Cllr Keena topped the poll in the Athlone electoral area at the last local elections, in May 2019, receiving 1,583 first preferences.

While he previously held the role of Cathaoirleach temporarily, for a six-week period, this is his first time taking on the position for a full year.

Cllr Bill Collentine was elected unopposed as the Leas-Cathaoirleach, or vice chairperson, of the local authority.