Kelly denounces gerrymandering

A defeated general election candidate, Cllr Nicky Kelly (Independent) walked out of last night's meeting of Arklow Urban Council…

A defeated general election candidate, Cllr Nicky Kelly (Independent) walked out of last night's meeting of Arklow Urban Council after being beaten in the elections for a new chairman and vice-chairman.

Mr Kelly, who secured 4,900 first preference votes three weeks ago, said it was an indictment of the council that four members were being prohibited from getting the chairmanship or vice-chairmanship for the fourth year in a row.

He described the situation as gerrymandering of the lowest level.

In votes of five to three and five to four respectively, two Fianna Fail members of the council were elected, Dr Bill O'Connell chairman and Cllr Pat Sweeney vice-chairman.