James Breen is in his final days as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council but the Kilnamona man feels the title must be reverted back to the Mayor of Clare.
Speaking to The Clare Herald, Breen revealed that he was promised by former Minister for Local Government, Community and the Environment, Alan Kelly that he would revert back to the official title.
However James was left disappointed by the Labour T.D. āI approached Alan Kelly when I was Cathaoirleach and I asked him to change the title and he promised me faithfully heād do it so he didnāt do that thenā.
Simon Coveney has recently been appointed the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. Breen who was a member of the twenty ninth DƔil became friendly with Coveney during that time and told The Clare Herald that he had a discussion with the Minister three weeks ago.
āI met Simon at a meeting in Dublin and myself and Simon were very good friends when I was in the DĆ”il and I put it to him and heās favourably disposed to changing the title from Cathaoirleach to Mayor because he also realises that when you go abroad that Cathaoirleach means nothingā.
A member of the Ennis Municipal District, James outlined that the title of Cathaoirleach doesnāt resonate when representing the County abroad but when he informs gatherings that he is a Mayor he receives immediate respect.
āThe very minute you say youāre Mayor people stand up and listen āoh youāre Mayor of your County what an honour to meet youā and theyād be wanting to take pictures and everythingā.