Council must improve image of county: new Chairman

Rodney Edwards • Published 26 May 2011 13:00 0 Comments

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THE new-look Fermanagh District Council "must support businesses and interact with young people", says its newly elected chairman.

Sinn Fein's Thomas O'Reilly was selected by his party to serve as Chairman at the Council's first meeting since the election.

Councillor O'Reilly said it was "an honour" to take the role for another term and paid tribute to outgoing chairman and colleague Stephen Huggett, who failed to get re-elected to the council again. Mr. O'Reilly said he was a "hard act to follow".

SDLP's Frank Britton was elected as vice chairman and said he was "looking forward" to the challenges ahead.

As all 24 councillors took to their seats it was clear there were some major changes in the chamber. Gone were veterans like Pat Cox and Bertie Kerr and in were the new councillors, like Basil Johnston and Debbie Coyle. Sinn Fein now have nine seats, the UUP have six seats, the DUP have four seats, the SDLP are down to three seats and sitting on her own is Independent Councillor Bernice Swift.

Under the D'Hondt system - which organises the next four years of council - Sinn Fein have the pick of chairmanship for this year and next year because they're the largest party. The UUP have picked chairmanship for year three and the DUP have picked it for year four. All the SDLP have been left with is the role of vice-chairman.

Councillor O'Reilly was nominated by Brian McCaffrey and seconded by Ruth Lynch, two of his Sinn Fein colleagues.

Frank Britton of the SDLP was nominated by John O'Kane and seconded by Brendan Gallagher.

The new Chairman began by wishing everyone who had been elected "best wishes" for the years ahead.

Councillor O'Reilly said the Council would play a "key role" in the support of local business and said they would work to "improve the image of Fermanagh".

And he said how much he looked forward to working with his council colleagues in getting more and more young people on board.

"I want to continue the very welcoming policy this Council has, particularly in the Townhall. I want to ensure that young people get in and see the history here. I want to see young people get into the Townhall and meet the councillors. I think it's a good opportunity for the young generation to have their voice heard; it's very important we give them an opportunity to interact with councillors," he said.

Vice-Chairman Frank Britton said he will endeavour to "serve the people of the community".

"We have big challenges ahead. The major one is the completion of the new hospital; it promises to be a good addition to this county and further afield. We have other challenges and I expect education will be another one. There will be changes but we as a council will be well placed to be a voice of the community.

"There are issues of roads and waterways and parking in the town centre," he said.

"I don't think I'd say we were closely joined at the hip," quipped Mr. O'Reilly in mock disagreement.

SDLP veteran John O'Kane congratulated both Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Britton on their newly elected roles.

"My congratulations to you both. Chairman, I can safely say you have been the voice of reason in the past."

DUP Bert Johnston said he hoped "at all times" the county "will be put first" and UUP's Alex Baird said he looked forward to a "good four years together".

The first proper meeting of the new councillors - following the various individual committee meetings - will be in the Townhall on June 13.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 May 11

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