Kerr thanks O"Reilly for "tremendous job"

Published 4 Jun 2009 09:00 0 Comments

Share this

The new chairman of Fermanagh District Council said he will do his 'very level best' to represent the citizens of Fermanagh in the coming year.

Ulster Unionist councillor Bertie Kerr was elected by his council colleagues under the D"hondt system at Monday night"s monthly meeting of Fermanagh District Council.

The Ballinamallard farmer, who has sat on the council for many years, takes over the chain of office from Sinn Fein"s Thomas O"Reilly.

However, it"s believed the Chairman role could be split between fellow UUP colleague Robert Irvine who is expected to take over in six months time.

Taking up his position, Councillor Kerr congratulated Councillor O"Reilly on a 'tremendous job' over the past year and said he is looking forward to working with Councillor Britton on a team basis.

'It"s a great honour for me to elected as the new chair of Fermanagh District Council it will be a challenging and busy year and i"m very grateful to the people who chose to use the D"hondt system as it means that everyone works together for the good of Fermanagh and we can strive to the get the best deal for it"s citizens,' he said.

Supporting him in his new role is SDLP councillor Frank Britton, who takes on the position of vice-chairman of the Council.

It"s the second time Councillor Kerr has been elected Chairman of the Council with him last holding the post in 1993.

The retired manager of the BT Garage, was first elected to the council in May 1979 following a by-election when the late SDLP Councillor Thomas Daly resigned from Council.

He caused controversy in the Chamber last June when he forced a by-election after his party blocked a DUP co-option vote following the death of DUP councillor Joe Dodds.

Delighted to take on the role of Chairman, Councillor Kerr admitted he was 'very surprised' to be elected as Chairman in the first place.

'Well, I think some people see that there"s still life in the old dog yet or they could see me as a bit of a swansong and know that I have a reputation for getting things done,' he said.

His wealth of experience and knowledge of council issues has served him well over his lengthy civic career.

Throughout his time, the Councillor was involved in the negotiation of purchasing important development sites for the Council including the landfill site at Drummee and Necarne Estate.

Councillor Kerr, who is married to Joyce and has three sons and one daughter including seven grandsons said he hopes his role as Chair will be a productive one.

'I would have liked to have done more things during my time as a councillor and hopefully this role will now give me the opportunities to meet with more people and to get the important jobs done. I will be campaigning like I always do for the roads and for planning as well as promoting Fermanagh as a top tourism destination. We have the challenge of getting ourselves reconciled with the Omagh people and making sure there is a smooth transition of both councils and to bring about an efficient and effective council,' he said.

Speaking about the potential split of the Chairman role, Councillor Kerr said: 'More than likely Robert will take on the role halfway through the term and when he does I have no doubt that he will an excellent job,' said Councillor Kerr.

Commenting on his first ever role as vice-chair Councillor Britton said he is delighted to have been given the opportunity.

'It"s a lovely honour and an exciting time to be elected as vice-chairman of Fermanagh District Council and I would like to thank my colleagues who nominated me. It"s an exciting time for Fermanagh because of so many positive things happening in the county in terms of social and community work, sporting events, changes to education and rural and economic development so I will be happy to meet new people and will do my very best in representing the people of Fermanagh.'

The retired social worker, who was elected to Fermanagh District Council eight years ago, said he will fully support Councillor Kerr in all his civic duties and responsibilities.

'I already have an excellent working relationship with Bertie, he is very easy to get along with and I know he will give 100 per cent to the role of Chairman,' he said.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Jun 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.