‘Above all else he’s a decent and kind man’ — Cllr Frank Staples voted chair of Rosslare District for second time

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The quiet man of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) will steer the ship for the forthcoming year as it prepares for life with not just a new cathaoirleach, but also a new district manager.

As a founder member of the RMD, Councillor Frank Staples has been at the forefront of establishing a district which only came into existence in 2019. And while he previously served as cathaoirleach during the pandemic, his elevation to the role for a second time provides him with an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in south Wexford.

At the annual general meeting (AGM) of the RMD on Friday last, Cllr Staples was nominated for the role by Cllr Lisa McDonald.

“His popularity stretches across the district, and he has carried out some great advocacy work for mental health since first becoming a councillor,” she said. “He’s a community man and has a wealth of experience, but above all else he’s a decent and kind man.”

This proposal was seconded by Cllr Jim Codd, albeit with a caveat for the future. With a nod to the previous term of this council when he was denied an opportunity to be cathaoirleach, Cllr Codd expressed his wish that all five of the RMD councillors would be given the chair this time round.

“There are five of us here and five opportunities to be chair during this term,” he said. “I believe everyone should have their day, as should their families and supporters. We were all elected by the people and those who elected us deserve to have their day in County Hall.”

However, with no further proposals, Cllr Staples was duly elected as cathaoirleach and accepted the chains of office from the outgoing chair, Cllr Ger Carthy.

“This is an honour for me and my family, it’s a role I take very seriously and one I hope to do justice,” he began. “My wife Trish has been constant support to me, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you; you’ve always had my back during some difficult and challenging times.”

Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, Cllr Frank Staples, pictured with his grandchildren Tanad, David, and James at the election of the RMD Cathaoirleach and AGM in the Council Chamber on Friday. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell

Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, Cllr Frank Staples, pictured with his wife Trish, family and friends at the election of the RMD Cathaoirleach and AGM in the Council Chamber on Friday. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell

Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, Cllr Frank Staples, is congratulated by the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy, during the election of the Rosslare Municipal District Cathaoirleach and AGM in the Council Chamber on Friday. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell

Momentarily overcome, Cllr Staples took a moment to settle himself before continuing. And, when he did so, he discussed his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and how he intended to manage the condition during his year as chair.

“The most important thing to me is my mental health and I will be monitoring it very carefully throughout the year, in the event that it goes down I may have to pass the chains to my vice-chair.”

That vice-chair will be Cllr Carthy, but, in this instance, there were two proposals for the role and, once more, Cllr Codd called for some fairness in how the senior positions were allocated.

Proposing Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Rose O’Brien, Cllr Codd said she is “the only councillor left who hasn’t been given a position during this term”.

“In the interests of fairness she should be our vice-chair, her people deserve to have someone representing them too,” he said.

With two proposed candidates it was subsequently put to a vote. And, on a vote of three (Carthy, McDonald, Staples) to two (Codd, O’Brien), Cllr Carthy was appointed vice-chair for the year ahead.

Expressing her disappointment at the outcome, Cllr O’Brien reiterated the belief that the five councillors should each be given a year as chair during what is a five-year term.

“It’s difficult being the newbie but I have pulled my weight since I was elected and in the interest of fairness and equity would like to see the roles shared,” she said.

Prior to assuming the role as vice-chair, Cllr Carthy vacated the position of cathaoirleach. Before he did so, he paid tribute to those working behind the scenes in the RMD, including director of services Lynda Lacey, area engineer Michael Brazzill, and acting district manager Edwina Colfer.

He also took the opportunity to welcome a new member of staff on board. Although she had not assumed her duties officially, Ms Anne Marie Laffan was present in the chamber as she prepared to begin work as district manager of the RMD. Describing her as someone who has been “entrenched in Co Wexford communities for a long time” during her time as a local development officer with the council, Cllr Carthy said that, despite what she may have heard, the councillors in Rosslare “are not as bad as everyone says”.

With peace threatening to break out in the chamber, Cllr Carthy accepted the praise of his colleagues for his work over the past year.

Described as a “commanding presence” by Cllr McDonald and someone who is “enthusiastic about the welfare of this area”, by Cllr Codd, the greatest praise came from director of services Ms Lacey.

“You’ve played a pivotal role in the development of this district since its inception and you’ve refused to accept any limitations in what can be achieved,” she said. “You’re constantly pushing and striving for more. You’re an absolute pleasure to work with and very professional and respectful in your dealings with staff. Thank you for your leadership, commitment and support over the past year.”