New Cathaoirleach confirmed at today's council

Paul Neilan in Council Chamber

As predicted in this week's Celt newspaper, Fine Gael's Val Smith was this afternoon elected unopposed as the Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. The Lavey man said he was honoured to wear the chain of office.

He said that during his term he would prioritise tackling rural isolation and improving the county's roads network. He paid tribute to his party colleague and outgoing cathaoirleach, Paddy O'Reilly saying he was fair and brought vast experience to the position. Cllr Smith vowed to keep up ties with Irish communities Luton, London and New York strengthened by Cllr O'Reilly.

Sinn Fein's Paddy McDonald of Bailieborough was elected Leas Cathaoirleach, a position which is rotated amongst the remaining parties.

See this week's Celt for more.