A FORMER mayor of Cork county whose election to the board of Cork County VEC led to controversy confirmed yesterday he will not be taking up the position.
Buttevant-based auctioneer Tom Sheahan said he regretted that his election ahead of Church of Ireland nominee Canon George Salter had caused controversy.
The issue arose at last week’s meeting of Cork County Council when Fine Gael nominated Mr Sheahan, who lost his council seat in 2009, to fill one of the four community representative positions.
In the previous committee, the two community positions held by men had been occupied by nominees of the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.
At last week’s meeting, Fianna Fáil proposed Catholic nominee, Fr Tom Deenihan, and the Church of Ireland nominee, Canon George Salter. However, Fine Gael, who have control of the council, proposed Mr Sheahan and Fr Deenihan who were then voted in.
The outcome prompted a call from the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Rt Rev Paul Colton for a review of how the legislation is implemented so political parties do not encroach upon the community positions.
Mr Sheahan said: “I regret that my recent appointment . . . has caused a difficulty for a sector of our community which I hold in the highest esteem” he said. “Therefore, I have decided in the spirit of harmony and goodwill that I will not now take up my VEC appointment,” he added.
Bishop Colton said: “It’s a very magnanimous gesture by Mr Sheahan and while I’m not clear on what the procedure is now, it would appear that there is a vacancy and I would hope that Cork County Council would recognise the good work done by Canon Salter who remains my nominee.”