Monaghan Fine Gael and Sinn Féin party members are now considering replacements for their two members who have been elected to the 34th Dáil. The seats of current cathaoirleach of the Council, Cathy Bennett, of Sinn Fein and last year's Fine Gael cathaoirleach Councillor David Maxwell have now become available after both were elected as TDs.
The December meeting of the council scheduled for Monday had to be postponed as David Maxwell was elected in the early hours of Monday morning and Cathy Bennett later on Monday evening. The County Council Meeting has been rescheduled to take place on Monday 16 December.
The vacancies left by Councillors Maxwell and Bennett will now be filled at a rescheduled meeting on December 16th in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act. According to the act the council can co-opt a councillor who is nominated by Sinn Féin and Fine Gael to fill the vacancy. Councillor Pauric Clerkin explained the task ahead of Fine Gael now:
