Dr. Eoin O'Malley:

It has been described as a balance or some kind of check on the mayor's power but in a way it could strengthen and be a useful aid to a mayor that he or she could have somebody to command a majority within the council chamber. It could be very difficult for a mayor who does not necessarily have that kind of foot in the council to get things through. The mayor and príomh comhairleoir could become allies; ideally, that would happen rather than checks on each other.

On the technical issue, I assume that is something that could be done within the council and it could ensure there would always be a chair of a council meeting. I hope that would not be a major issue.