Dubliners should not be surprised to see their new Lord Mayor jogging out of the Mansion House, mayoral chain swinging in the breeze.
Mr Maurice Ahern, who was elected Lord Mayor of the capital last night, is a keen athlete, running up to 12 miles a day. He competed in trials for the Olympics in 1968 and now spends much of his free time coaching or running.
Speaking about his priorities for the next year, Mr Ahern highlighted housing, waste management and traffic. He also pointed to the high level of litter on Dublin streets and said he was determined to succeed in cleaning up the city.
Mr Ahern (61), is the older brother of the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, and Dublin North West TD Mr Noel Ahern. He came to public politics late in life, taking a seat on Dublin Corporation last June. However, he is a seasoned party activist, having frequently campaigned for both his brothers.
Mr Ahern studied accountancy before setting up his own business. He manufactured commercial and car batteries but now imports batteries.
Married to Moira, from Northern Ireland, he has six children: Giles, Adam, Aimee, Dylan, Murray and Clive. Ms Ahern is also involved in politics at local level and has held many officer board positions over the past 20 years.
Mr Ahern takes over as Lord Mayor from the Labour councillor, Ms Mary Freehill. He was elected as part of the pact between Fianna Fail and Labour.
This pact was criticised by Mr Tony Gregory, Independent TD and Mr Christy Burke, Sinn Fein councillor, at last night's council meeting. Mr Gregory suggested this pact was a preview of what would happen at the next general election.
Meanwhile, Mr Burke described the arrangement as hypocritical, given Labour's criticism of Fianna Fail over the past few weeks. Three other candidates were nominated for the post of Lord Mayor. They were Mr Finian McGrath (Ind), Mr Gerry Breen (Fine Gael) and Mr Nicky Kehoe (Sinn Fein).
Mr Ahern received 34 votes, Mr Breen nine, Mr McGrath five and Mr Kehoe four.
