Newest mayor to tackle emigration

One of the youngest mayors ever to hold the post in the country plans to address the issue of emigration amongst his peers. Twenty-two year-old Fianna Fáil councillor, Eoin Coyne was appointed mayor of Youghal Town Council earlier this week, a position he hopes will allow him tackle the ongoing problem of young people leaving the country.

“There is a significant amount of ‘brain drain’ happening at the moment, something that I personally see amongst my friends. A week does not go by without having to attend a friend’s leaving party before they move to Australia or Canada,” Cllr Coyne told the Cork News. “It is sad situation to see friends who have degrees or trades leaving because there are no opportunities here for them.

“I have realistic expectations. I know I’m not going to change the world. However, I would be hoping that Youghal Town Council could work with local businesses on setting up schemes to get people back to work. Small changes will make the difference.”

Cllr Coyne, a former student of Government at UCC, added that he was “delighted” and “humbled” to be elected, stating that it was “one of the biggest honours to be your town’s mayor”. He explained that he first developed an interest in politics and current affairs during secondary school, joining the Fianna Fáil party whilst in his Leaving Certificate year. He was first elected to Youghal Town Council in 2009 and last year was appointed the role of deputy mayor, a position, he said, which allowed him a "small sample" of his new title. He will now follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, former mayor and fellow Fianna Fáil councillor, Mary Linehan Foley.

With the next council meeting due in three weeks, Cllr Coyne said that while there is a significant age gap between himself and other councillors, he is assured that they will welcome him into the position. “Some councillors may be 20 or 30 years older than me but they are all fully supportive, as I was unanimously voted in.” he said.

Cllr Coyne added that he hoped his appointment would encourage more young people to take up politics. “Politics is for everyone and not just for 50 year-old, middle-class males, which has been the demographic for so long. It is now time to encourage young people to get involved,” he said.