THE chains of office are heavy but never a burden.
This was the message from outgoing mayor Cllr Francis Foley (FF) as he handed the reins of office over to Fine Gael man Cllr Gerald Mitchell as the new Mayor of Limerick City and County.
A Hospital native, Cllr Mitchell is a qualified auctioneer with more than 40 years experience working in the family business, EJ Mitchell and Sons Auctioneers, which is more than 100 years old.
The Fine Gael councillor was elected without a vote, after he was the only candidate proposed by Cllr John Sheehan and seconded by Cllr John Egan at County Hall last Friday.
Cllr Sheehan described Limerick’s new first citizen as a great councillor to “put his shoulder to the wheel”.
Mayor Mitchell, who represents the Municipal District of Cappamore/Kilmallock, was first elected as a councillor to Limerick City and County Council in 2014.
Speaking following his election, the new Mayor of the City and County of Limerick said he intends to make investment in rural communities a priority during his term.
He told council management that more needs to be done to make the countryside more attractive for investment and residential development.
“In particular, I want to see pressure put on Uisce Éireann to improve sewage systems in our county towns and villages, many of which are not fit for purpose. This is stifling growth and investment and must be addressed as soon as possible if we are to stem the flow of young people from the countryside. They need options for employment and housing in their local areas,” he declared.
Mayor Mitchell also recognised the value of having a thriving city centre as he spoke of the strong economic growth Limerick currently enjoys. He was of the view that Limerick needs a strong city centre at its core.
“The benefits reverberate out across the county. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Mayor Mitchell also said he was proud to be continuing a family legacy of public representation.
He is an ancestral relation of Thomas B Mitchell, who was the first Chairman of Limerick County Council in 1899. Thomas’ brother Edmond Mitchell also served on the first council.
The new Mayor Mitchell’s grandfather, Edmond J Mitchell, served on Limerick County Council from 1928 to 1942. Another relation, Thomas M Mitchell, was a councillor in early 1940s.
“Being first citizen is a responsibility I take very seriously and I vow to do my best at all times to represent the office with the honour and humility it deserves.
“As I say, it might be nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice,” Mayor Mitchell commented.
“When I was first elected to the council in 2014, I was proud to continue a family tradition that dates back to the late 19th Century. I became the fifth Mitchell to hold the office in local government in Limerick. All those who came before me, including my ancestors, served with distinction, often in very troubled times – the War of Independence and the unfortunate civil war that followed.
“The people that gave the ultimate sacrifice in dying for what they believed in, this must be honoured, and respected, regardless of what side they fought on.
“It is because of the sacrifices and commitments of those great people, who gave us our freedom, our democracy, and our peace, that we are able to be gathered here today. I salute them noble Irish men and women of their time.”
The newly-elected Mayor said the family motto down through the years has always been, ‘Public Service, Not Self Service’.
He paid tribute to his deceased parents Eileen and Edmond J Mitchell saying: “Helping out people in the locality and being good neighbours came naturally to them both.”
Cllr Mitchell’s elevation to mayor was not contested. However, Sinn Féin councillor Sharon Benson hit out that she was “extremely disappointed” that some of “very capable” female councillors were not elected to the position over the term of the sitting Council.
“The old boys club is alive and well. These female councillors should have been given a chance and they haven’t,” she said.
Meanwhile, another Fine Gael councillor, Dan McSweeney, was elected as Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick.
The Patrickswell man was first elected in 2019 to the Limerick City West Electoral Area in the Metropolitan District at the age of 20.
The Deputy Mayor said he has often been referred to as the “young fella” on the Council but said he has “learned the ropes of how to survive in politics very quickly”.
“Since my election I have worked hard to represent the people of Limerick City West to the best of my ability. My key focus has been to enhance the provision of community, sport, and recreation facilities, the delivery of affordable and social homes, tackling dereliction in our communities and improving connectivity with Limerick City Centre.”
Cllr McSweeney was described by his party colleagues as a politician with a huge future.
“Dan’s the man to go to. He is a politician with a mighty future, a shining light to show young people they can get involved,” Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan enthused.
