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Poll topper becomes new head of county council

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

A POLL topping politician has become the new cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab), a former Leas Cathaoirleach of the local authority, has one of the most impressive electoral records in the council. She topped the poll when she contested local elections for the first time in 2004 in the Glencullen/Sandyford Ward where she was also returned as a poll topper in the last local election in June 2009. As the new cathaoirleach, she said that trying to secure local community facilities in the area would be one of her main priorities. “In 2003 it was proposed that the Stepaside Public Golf Course be zoned residential in spite of the vast development that had already taken place and the thousands of families that were living there,” she said. “That was one of the many reasons I got into politics. Therefore it should not be a great surprise to learn that one of my priorities during this year will be to progress both the Samuel Beckett sports complex in Ballyogan and the Stepaside eight acre site.” Cllr McCarthy also believes the council can improve its communication with people in the area and convey its message more clearly. “I firmly believe in local government but in order for it to work better we need the engagement of the general public,” she explained. “As the political head of the council I will make every effort to progress better communication between all of us.” Cllr Neale Richmond (FG), who represents the Glencullen/Sandyford ward, was also elected recently as the leas cathaoirleach of the council. Some of the 27-year-old’s priorities include the provision of more recreational and sporting facilities, an improved, integrated local transport system, increased resources to tackle anti-social behaviour and the provision of better schools.