New cathaoirleach Malachai Duddy has pledged to lead with fairness, respect and a strong focus on community as he takes up the role following a dramatic vote at Bray District Council’s annual meeting. In his first remarks after securing the position, the independent councillor spoke of the importance of cooperation and empathy in public life, setting out his commitment to the people of Bray in the year ahead. Outgoing chair Cllr Erika Doyle opened the meeting by thanking district staff and fellow councillors for their
support throughout what she described as both a professional and personal honour. She reflected on the highlights of her year, singling out a visit by a local student council to the historic Town Hall. Sharing the building’s history with young people, she said, was the most meaningful moment of her term, a reminder of the importance of civic education and the excitement that public institutions can inspire. She also noted the successful allocation of the district’s discretionary funding as a significant achievement, emphasising the collaborative
work that made it possible. Tributes to Cllr Doyle’s leadership came from across the chamber. Cllr Melanie Corrigan praised her fairness and approachability, saying she had carried out her duties with dignity and respect. Cllr Caroline Winstanley described her as fiercely protective of Bray and a strong representative of the town. Cllr Ned Whelan commended her openness, while Cllr Joe Behan highlighted her exemplary chairing of meetings. Cllr Ian Neary and Cllr Duddy told her she should be proud of what she had achieved over
the year, while recently co opted Cllr John Ward thanked her for the warm welcome. District manager Jackie Carroll added that her calm, clear leadership would have a positive impact long after her term had ended. The breadth of praise underscored the cross‑party respect Cllr Doyle earned during her time in the chair. The meeting then turned to the election of her successor. Cllr Duddy was nominated by Cllr Behan and seconded by Cllr Neary, and Cllr Corrigan was nominated by Cllr Winstanley and seconded
by Cllr Whelan. In proposing Cllr Duddy, Cllr Behan spoke of his deep compassion. In nominating Cllr Corrigan, Cllr Winstanley noted that she would be building on her experience as cathaoirleach of the full council. The vote that followed resulted in a 4–4 tie, prompting the rarely used procedure of drawing a name from an envelope. District administrator Brian Wildes, acting in accordance with protocol, carried out the draw. When Cllr Duddy’s name was read aloud, the chamber responded with warm applause, marking the end
of a tense and unusual moment in local politics. In his acceptance speech, Cllr Duddy expressed his gratitude for the honour and thanked his family and friends for their support. He paid tribute to his late parents, noting how meaningful it was to think of them on such an occasion. Wearing a United Nations tie, he remarked on the symbolism of doing so at a time of global division, saying it served as a reminder of the values of cooperation and fairness. He pledged to
chair meetings with impartiality and respect, emphasising his commitment to serving the people of Bray and its environs. The election of the Leas‑Chathaoirleach followed, with two further nominations. Cllr Doyle nominated Cllr Winstanley, describing her as brave in her work to date, while Cllr Duddy nominated Cllr Behan, praising his decades long record of putting the people of the town first. The vote concluded with a 5–3 victory for Cllr Winstanley, securing the Social Democrats representative the role of leas‑cathaoirleach for the coming year. Funded
by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Bray District Council, cathaoirleach, Malachai Duddy, Erika Doyle, envelope draw, Brian Wildes, Leas-Chathaoirleach, Caroline Winstanley, Social Democrats, Jackie Carroll