it depends on the level of job you are applying for. The above might be OTT for a position as clerical officer, where they'd be more interested in your clerical experience, computer skills, teamwork abilities, etc, etc.
I previously did an interview for CO, and while the emphasis was on certain technical and general soft skills, all of the above tips would have stood very well.
...however you will be expected to know the functions of the council inside out. Look at the Annual Report, Corporate Plan, County Manager's Report and Budget for the year. Look at the County Council's website. If there is anything topical in the media in relation to the particular council at the moment be able to talk about it.
I'm not sure if "inside out" is fair, but they did ask a few questions I wouldn't have known the answers too without preparing.
I was asked a few questions on the Annual Report & Corporate plan, then asked how I had prepared for this interview (with them going into detail on every resource/media I mentioned) and (following mention of the website) asked for my views on the website as a resource for the community and any possible improvements I would suggest.
It was just after I had completed my first year in college (during the spell where huge speculation on fees being re-introduced was riffe) [I was 100% honest about being in college and straight away they jumped on this asking why I was interviewing (think they assumed I was a time waster) quite agressively - again, I answered honestly saying I was reviewing my options with the uncertainty over college fees. Assumed I was cut off straight away after that, but they kept questioning me on it and by the end I think they had come around. I did manage to keep bringing the elements that I enjoyed in college into the possible new role and why I believed I'd enjoy it, which certainly helped bring them around].
I was pleasantly surprised with the Irish section of the interview (optional from what I remember). It was kept at an understandable level throughout, with the conversation very general allowing you to go in whatever path you cared to take it. While I have attended Irish college in the past, my cupla focal are far from good, but if I thought it was alright anyone would.
I managed to place in the top 20 of the panel (very surprised as I knew a few people who were sitting with me in the waiting room who had degrees etc [which instantly add a certain amount to your "score" of which the interview is only one component]) and did recieve a job offer as a result (FYI, from what I recall it was on Achill Island so not for everyone - probably why it got passed down to me), but at this stage the issue over fees had been sorted and I had happily returned to college so had to turn down the position.
I felt it was similiar to a private sector interview, with a few extra little twists thrown in. I've always found that the private sector look for you to show what you will add to the company (creativity, technical skills etc.) where I felt the council one seemed to concentrate (slightly) more on the team/people/personal/soft skills... but that could also have just been the interview panel I got.