As predicted by impartialreporter.com yesterday, Mr. Johnston was selected for the prestigious position by his party last night having never held the role of chairman in his 38 years as an Erne North councillor.

The Ballinamallard man who is set to retire from politics next year when the new Fermanagh and Omagh District Council replaced outgoing Chairman Alex Baird.

And, Sinn Fein's Ruth Lynch has taken the vice chairman role, following in the footsteps of colleague Barry Doherty.

Both positions were formally announced at tonight's meeting of Fermanagh District Council.