Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien has expressed his gratitude and humility to his fellow Cllr’s and party colleagues following his election as the Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District. Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady added his own warm congratulations to his friend and party colleague on his election. Daisy was co-opted onto Wicklow County Council to replace Michael O’Connor who stepped down in 2018. He was elected in 2019 and re-elected earlier this month.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“It’s an honour to get the support of members to take on this role and I will strive to rise to the responsibility that comes with it.
I want to acknowledge my family who are always proud of me when I do the hard things and take on the big challenges and who provide the sanctuary of a world outside of politics whenever I need it.
Much credit and appreciation to my party colleagues who campaigned with me and are a big reason why I’m here. Special mention to John Brady, Grace McManus, Mick Ryan, and Lindsay O’Neill who’ve given me so much support from the moment I came into the political arena.
I want to acknowledge every individual and every structure that allowed me and encouraged me to take on leadership responsibilities, the youth sector, education sector, football world, my own party and now this group of colleagues.
I’m not big on ambition but I am big on intention.
It is my intention to be an inclusive Chair – ‘a chair for all’ and maintain the standards set by those who have gone before me.
A collaborative chair who values all of the contributions and seeks to synthesise them in positive ways.
An accessible chair who brings the role to the community and makes it available to those who want to be heard.
People should be at the heart of local democracy and the language of our formal documents reminds us of things like, public perception, public interest, public service, public good and public trust.
So, at a time where there is cynicism and apathy about the role of politicians and political institutions, I am very motivated to show the public that they ARE at the centre of our work.
I want them to see how the decisions emerging from this chamber represent the collective efforts of us all and I hope that we can sustain a culture of mutual respect while we meaningfully disagree and meaningfully agree along the way.
Deputy Brady added:
“Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien is not only a committed Councillor for Bray, but also an educator, a youth worker, and parent, who remains passionate about his community here in the town.
I was delighted to be in the chamber to witness his election as the Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District.
It was a proud moment for Dermot who received unanimous support from the members of Bray Municipal District as he became the first Cathaoirleach of the new term. Something that was well deserved, and I have absolutely no doubt that he will serve Bray with commitment, determination and passion in the coming year and drive forward a number of important initiatives.