An integral assembly of Limerick’s Congregated Trades convened on a brisk Friday evening at the Mechanics’ Institute to engage in pivotal discussions surrounding the city’s mayoralty. Mr M. Mclnerney, Trades President, chaired the gathering, which enjoyed a substantial attendance. Distinguished guests included Alderman Joyce (the Mayor), Alderman Donnellan, Mr W. Whelan, Bc, and Mr P. Bourke, Be. In his opening address, Mr Mclnerney stated the purpose of their assembly: to deliberate the Delegate Board’s resolution on the Mayoralty and to hear Mayor Joyce’s perspective on the matter.
Mayor Joyce commenced his address by acknowledging his astonishment at the Mechanics’ Institute Delegate Board’s approach, which occurred last Wednesday. He disclosed that this was the first instance he had been approached about seeking re-election, aside from a few Corporation members who raised the topic. Prior to the delegation’s visit, he hadn’t intended to contest for another term. Candid conversations with Councillors Bourke and Whelan affirmed his non-candidacy. He shared that upon meeting the Delegate Board, he declined to provide an immediate response due to the delicacy of the situation.
The Mayor then expressed that he had since reevaluated his stance. Having convened for the very purpose, he was prepared to declare his position. Acknowledging the desire of the city’s working class and the Delegate Board’s endorsement, he affirmed his willingness to be nominated for a second term. Amid applause and playful jests from the crowd, he emphasized the criticality of the working class’s voice and their endorsement’s significance.
Addressing criticisms that Limerick faced decay and dirt, he passionately countered such notions. Drawing comparisons to Cork, he asserted that Limerick’s streets weren’t significantly different and challenged the negative narratives. He called for unity, insisting that Limerick citizens had as much right to laud their city as others did.
Other candidates who were speculated to be considering the Mayoralty were addressed. The Mayor assured that he had honestly communicated his non-candidacy to them and had no reason to discourage their candidacies. He recalled assuring Councillor Whelan and Councillor Bourke of his non-participation in the race.
Alderman Donnellan took the floor and expressed his perplexity given his active candidacy for several months. Nonetheless, the evening’s turn of events found him in alignment with the unanimous sentiment. Echoing his colleagues’ sentiments, he lauded Mayor Joyce’s character and pledged to step aside in favor of the Mayor’s candidacy.
Mr Whelan, Tc, shared his candidature’s origin, rooted in an invitation from Limerick’s workingmen to be a mayoral candidate. He clarified that his candidacy was contingent on Alderman Joyce’s non-participation, and Alderman Joyce had affirmed he wasn’t contesting. He affirmed his commitment to the city, stressing his devotion to the working class.
The assembly culminated in a resolution extending gratitude to Alderman Joyce and affirming his pursuit of a second term. A sense of unity and purpose pervaded the event, reflecting the city’s deeply-rooted dedication to progress and the welfare of its populace.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 28 November 1905
