Renowned billionaire and racehorse owner, JP McManus, has given his full support to Helen O’Donnell, an Independent candidate in the inaugural election for Limerick’s first directly elected mayor. McManus, who hails from Limerick himself, wholeheartedly commended O’Donnell’s honesty and is strongly convinced of her suitability for the role.
O’Donnell, a business entrepreneur and wife of the late Fine Gael TD and MEP, Tom, shifted from being a Fine Gael member to an Independent candidate earlier this year in order to participate in the mayoral race. She has previously expressed her belief that the mayoral position should transcend party politics.
She serves on the committee of the JP McManus Benevolent Fund. During a live debate on RTÉ the prior Monday, she notably pointed out her engagement in supervising the €40 million fund as one of her credentials for the mayoral role.
This forthcoming election in Limerick is a first of its kind in Ireland. While its elected mayor will not possess the broad powers of their North American counterparts, the individual will nonetheless be influential in a county of over 200,000 citizens. The high-profile campaign has closely resembled a presidential race.
The victorious candidate will earn a salary just above €154,000 and will have access to an annual budget of €8 million for community projects and initiatives. The main responsibility for the elected mayor will be to propose the annual budget for the Limerick City and County Council, although this will still require councillor approval.
In a statement released via O’Donnell’s campaign, McManus expressed: “There are several distinguished candidates in the mayoral race, but my top preference is undoubtedly Helen O’Donnell.” He praised her efficiency, motivational skills and deep understanding of the charitable sector, particularly her commitment to assist the vulnerable, noting that her work is entirely voluntary.
In a related development, businessman and ex-Munster and Ireland rugby player Jerry Flannery endorsed another Independent candidate, John Moran, voicing his belief in Moran’s capacity to bring about genuine change as mayor.
Limerick publican, Mr Flannery, recently vocalised his backing for the ex-head of the Finance Department through a social media video. Although he claims to have no particular political inclinations, he expressed his frustration at the counterproductive behaviour of political parties, leading to less than ideal outcomes for the general public. The skills and knowledge that Mr Moran has garnered from managing substantial national budgets and his absolute independence were noted by Mr Flannery as valid reasons for his endorsement.
Currently, there are 15 individuals vying for the mayoral role in Limerick. Apart from Mr Flannery and Mr Moran, the other 13 include:
– Dee Ryan of the Fianna Fáil party
– Sinn Féin’s Maurice Quinlivan TD
– Fine Gael’s Cllr Daniel Butler
– Brian Leddin TD from the Green Party
– Cllr Conor Sheehan from Labour
– Cllr Elisa O’Donovan of the Social Democrats
– Independent candidate Cllr Frankie Daly
– Ruairí Fahy from People Before Profit
– Sarah Beasley representing Aontú
– Dr Laura Keyes of An Rabharta Glas
– Caitríona Ní Chaitháin from the Socialist Party
– Gerben Uunk of the Party for Animal Welfare
– Independent candidate Colm O’Móráin