The incoming Mayor of Ennis claims her father would've got a "great kick" out of her career choice. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard has been elected Cathaoirleach of Ennis Municipal District for the 2025 to 2026 term, with Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly to serve as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Councillor Howard's father, Lisdoonvarna native Michael Howard, was a member of Clare County Council from 1974 to 1991, and served in Seanad Éireann from 1977 to 1997. Now entering her 17th year as a councillor, she says politics was never part of the plan.