Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 5:00pm

McDonald steps down as mayor

Belturbet's John McDonald, got a bird's eye view of the town this week, one perhaps never seen before by a chairperson of Belturbet town council. John got to go up the 100-foot scaffold, built by local man Gearoid Teevan and his team at Smart Scaffolding, which is being used to paint and renovate the roof of the tower at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

The outgoing Mayor of Belturbet, John McDonald, stated that he promoted the town at every opportunity during the past year, prior to him handing over the chain of office to Seamus Fitzpatrick at the annual meeting of the council recently.

He said it had been a privilege and an honour to serve the people of Belturbet. Over the course of his term, he met with a number of ambassadors commencing with Ms. D.P.S. Jana and her daughter who were raising funds for children in India and the Canadian Ambassador Patrick Binns.

Ambassadors played a pivotal role and Mr. McDonald was also like an ambassador as he represented the town on many occasions over the past year. He was glad to play a role in ensuring the credit union remained opened in the town with extended hours.

"I was also very proud to represent the town at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York," he said. Cllr. McDonald thanked his colleagues for their help and co-operation during the year, as well as the executive. Cllr. John Scott said Mr. McDonald carried out his duties in a very dignified and honourable fashion. "You were a first class ambassador for the town over the past twelve months."

Fine Gael member Peggy Gray congratulated the outgoing mayor on his achievements during his term of office. "Belturbet is one of the hard councils to chair in the county and you did a wonderful job."

Elizabeth McDermott thanked Cllr. McDonald for all the excellent work he did on behalf of the town, while Paddy Brady thanked him for making them feel so welcome when they were elected last year.

Cllr. Raymond Johnston paid tribute to the fact that Mr. McDonald never missed a meeting during what was a very successful year for him.

Incoming Mayor Seamus Fitzpatrick said Cllr. McDonald kept his own stamp on what he did and gave the position his best shot. He set out with ideals and achieved some but not all. "What you said came from the heart," he said.

Cllr. Michael Lee wished Cllr. McDonald all the best for the future. Kevin O'Reilly, on behalf of the executive, said Cllr. McDonald conducted the business of the council fairly and impartially. "You were of great assistance to me when I took over as town manager in October." He too wished Cllr. McDonald well for the future.