Fine Gael's Kiely set for top job

FINE GAEL Councillor Kevin Kiely looks set to be elected the 813th mayor of Limerick at tonight’s mayoral elections.

The chairman of Limerick’s joint policing committee lost out on the post last year by a single vote, when Independent councillor John Gilligan was elected after a pact between Labour and Fine Gael fell through.

No similar drama is expected at tonight’s elections as Fine Gael says it has signed a five-year deal securing the party’s dominance of the new council chamber.

Fine Gael holds eight of the 17 seats on Limerick City Council.

Cllr Maria Byrne was in with a strong chance of becoming Limerick’s first female mayor in 15 years. However, it’s understood she has agreed to wait until next year to take the chains of office.