Fergal Dennehy, the Lord Mayor of Cork, confirms that he now relies on ChatGPT to draft the speeches he delivers for the city. By using an AI‑generated first draft and adding his personal touches, the mayor saves hours of writing time while maintaining a human voice, offering a clear example of AI integration in local government communication.
How the Mayor Uses ChatGPT for Speeches
Hybrid Drafting Process
Dennehy describes a “hybrid model” where ChatGPT creates an initial speech draft. He then reviews, edits, and injects his own style, ensuring the final message reflects his personal perspective.
Time‑Saving Benefits
The AI tool can produce content in seconds that previously required hours of work, allowing the mayor to focus on constituent engagement and other priorities.
Maintaining Personal Voice
While ChatGPT accelerates drafting, Dennehy warns that AI can strip a speech of personality. He emphasizes the importance of adding his “touch” to keep communications authentic.
AI Adoption Across Cork City Council
Dennehy notes that other council members also use ChatGPT for routine tasks such as drafting motions and questions. The uniform structure of many documents makes it easy to recognize AI‑generated content.
Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity
The mayor’s approach highlights a pragmatic balance: leveraging AI for efficiency while preserving a human element. This strategy frees time for public interaction while mitigating the risk of homogenized language.
Future Outlook for AI in Local Governance
Cork City Council has not yet formalized policies on AI use in official communications. However, the mayor’s openness suggests that AI tools may become a standard part of the council’s workflow, prompting ongoing observation from citizens, media, and ethics bodies.
