Labour’s John Pratt has been elected Mayor of Waterford.

The Tallow native was nominated and seconded by party colleagues Ger Barron and Seamus Ryan.

Councillor Pratt received the backing of Sinn Fèin, the Green Party and Independents Joe Kelly, Joe Conway, Davy Daniels, Seamus O’Donnell and Donal Barry. Matt Shanahan was not present this afternoon.

Councillor Pratt defeated a challenge from Fine Gael’s Damien Geoghegan, who had been put forward by John Cummins and seconded by Seanie Power. He was supported by Fine Gael and Fianna Fàil.

However, John Pratt was named Mayor of Waterford City and County with 17 votes to Damien Geoghegan’s 14.

The new mayor says he wants to focus on sustainable development, housing, broadband and democratic deficit during his term.

Labour councillor Seamus Ryan was elected Deputy Mayor with the same voting pattern.

He was nominated by Thomas Phelan and Ger Barron.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Conor McGuinness has hailed the formation of a Progressive Alliance on Waterford City and County Council. The Alliance is made up of Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens, and Independents. This follows a refusal by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to embrace the D’Hondt system to ensure fair and equal representation.

Speaking at the first plenary meeting of the newly elected Council, Cllr McGuinness said:

“Sinn Féin has for years proposed the implementation of the D’Hondt System for the election of Mayors and Deputy Mayors to ensure fair and equal representation and for inclusivity in formulating council budgets. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael declined the opportunity to participate in such an arrangement.

“Sinn Féin is now the lead party in a new Progressive Alliance with Labour, the Greens, and Independents. Sinn Féin will use our influence to ensure that Waterford progresses and builds on the work of the previous council. We will argue for fair budgets that put working families and small to medium sized businesses front and centre.

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues in progressing the development of our city and county, delivering infrastructure and advocating for better health services and housing provision for all. Today marks a new chapter in Waterford’s political history and I am proud that Sinn Féin is a lead part of a new and progressive council.”