McDonald is new mayor of Belturbet

The mantra emanating from the first meeting of the new Belturbet Town Council is 'consensus', and this dynamic led to the unanimous election of John McDonald, FG as the new Mayor of the town. He was nominated for the position of chairman by his Fine Gael colleague John Scott and this was seconded by new Independent councillor, Mickey Lee and he was elected unanimously. Seamus Fitzpatrick was proposed for the position of vice chairman and this was seconded by Tony Gorby and he was also elected unanimously. The councillors voted by a show of hands by five votes to four to adjourn the AGM for 20 minutes, so that the focus on consensus initiated at the outset by councillors Anthony Vesey and Seamus Fitzpatrick could be propelled into action with a view to how the chair will be rotated over the next five years. When the meeting was reconvened, the position of chairman and vice chairman had been agreed courtesy of an amicable meeting of minds, which all councillors stressed was for the good of the town, which was now bereft of a County Councillor for the first time in many a year. John McDonald thanked his proposer and seconder and added that it was a great honour and privilege to be elected chairman of Belturbet Town Council. 'I look forward to working closely with all my fellow councillors and with Jack Keyes, County Manager; the Deputy County Manager, Ger Finn; Paul Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer and Jennifer McDonald, Town Clerk for the betterment of the town.' He hopes to drive his initiatives forward for the good of all the people of the town in a spirit of unity, determination and co-operation. The members share many common issues and he will ensure that they will be kept to the forefront, in order to see them successfully achieved. 'As individuals we have been asked about many issues over the past number of weeks while out canvassing and it is hugely important that we all work hard to resolve these. These are the matters that mean so much to the people of Belturbet in their everyday lives. I hope to represent the town to the best of my ability over the coming year,' said the new chairman. Some of the goals that will have to be achieved is the provision of a new fire station, a new library, a community centre to cater for all age groups, and the by-pass. 'These goals are achievable with a combined and committed effort on all our parts, including our Ministers, our Senators, our County Manager and Our Director of Services.' He concluded by wishing everyone well in the year ahead and thanked everyone for bestowing this great honour upon him. All the members wished him success.