Youghal has a new Town Mayor. Councillor Eoin Coyne of Fianna Fail was elected today (June 21st 2011) at the Town Council’s AGM in the Town Hall. Councillor Coyne – who was Deputy Mayor for the past year – succeeds his party colleague, Mary Linehan Foley as the Town’s first citizen. Councillor Coyne was proposed by his party colleague, Sammy Revins and seconded by Green Party councillor, Liam Burke. The vote was passed unanimously. The new Mayor was first elected to Youghal Town Council in 2009.

There was a contest for the position of Deputy Mayor. Councillor Sammy Revins was elected by 5 votes to 2 having been proposed by Councillor Mary Linehan Foley and seconded by Councillor Liam Burke. Councillor Michael Beecher was proposed by his party colleague, Barbara Murray and seconded by himself.

The new Sinn Fein Cork East Constituency Office is now open at The Parlour, The Mall, Youghal. The office will be open weekdays from 9.30am – 5pm and by appointment on saturdays. The office will be officially opened in the next few weeks. Info: CRY 104fm Youghal Local Radio

One of the youngest mayors ever to hold the post in the country plans to address the issue of emigration amongst his peers. Twenty-two year-old Fianna Fáil councillor, Eoin Coyne was appointed mayor of Youghal Town Council earlier this week, a position he hopes will allow him tackle the ongoing problem of young people leaving the country.

“There is a significant amount of ‘brain drain’ happening at the moment, something that I personally see amongst my friends. A week does not go by without having to attend a friend’s leaving party before they move to Australia or Canada,” Cllr Coyne told the Cork News. “It is sad situation to see friends who have degrees or trades leaving because there are no opportunities here for them.

“I have realistic expectations. I know I’m not going to change the world. However, I would be hoping that Youghal Town Council could work with local businesses on setting up schemes to get people back to work. Small changes will make the difference.”

Cllr Coyne, a former student of Government at UCC, added that he was “delighted” and “humbled” to be elected, stating that it was “one of the biggest honours to be your town’s mayor”. He explained that he first developed an interest in politics and current affairs during secondary school, joining the Fianna Fáil party whilst in his Leaving Certificate year. He was first elected to Youghal Town Council in 2009 and last year was appointed the role of deputy mayor, a position, he said, which allowed him a “small sample” of his new title. He will now follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, former mayor and fellow Fianna Fáil councillor, Mary Linehan Foley.

With the next council meeting due in three weeks, Cllr Coyne said that while there is a significant age gap between himself and other councillors, he is assured that they will welcome him into the position. “Some councillors may be 20 or 30 years older than me but they are all fully supportive, as I was unanimously voted in.” he said.

Cllr Coyne added that he hoped his appointment would encourage more young people to take up politics. “Politics is for everyone and not just for 50 year-old, middle-class males, which has been the demographic for so long. It is now time to encourage young people to get involved,” he said.

Info: The Cork News.ie

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Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has been removed from the governing body of the Citizens’ Information Board, according to a report on the RTE website.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton enacted the terms of the Comhairle Act 2000, which gives the minister power to remove people from state boards, to force the deputy’s removal.

The Kerry South TD had been receiving an €5,985 a year for the position, in addition to his Dáil salary of around €92,000.

It is understood he had another three years left in his term.

He was appointed to the board of the Citizens’ Information Board in April 2009.

His term was due to end on 26 April 2014.

A spokesperson for Ms Burton said the agency is an advisory body for the minister in relation to the development of social policy.

Mr Healy Rae’s membership was a conflict of interest because as a TD he can vote on measures which are brought to government and which may affect or influence the functions of the CIB.

A spokesperson for the minister said it is not yet known when his position will be filled.

All appointments to the board are made by the Minister for Social Protection.

There is a provision in the Comhairle Act 2000 to allow for a member to be removed from the board of the CIB by the minister.

The agency supports the delivery of information through three channels: online, telephone and face-to-face.

It provides information on public services for the general public and information providers.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, enacted last week, outlines that from the 1 of July 2011 no elected representative can sit on the Citizens’ Information Board.

A spokesperson for the Minister said it was ‘coincidental’ that Mr Healy Rae was asked to resign in the wake of the controversy surrounding calls made from Leinster House to the RTÉ reality TV show, ‘Celebrities Go Wild’ in 2007.

Mr Healy Rae last week said he would pay back over €2,600 for the phone calls which was made on his behalf and helped him win the competition.

Source: www.rte.ie/news/