Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle has been appointed as the new Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council.
At this afternoon’s AGM of Donegal County Council at the County House in Lifford, Councillor McMonagle was officially installed as the Mayor of Donegal, taking over in the office from Councillor Terence Slowey.
McMonagle – a native of the Creggan area of Derry – has lived in Letterkenny since 1984.
McMonagle was elected to Donegal County Council in the 2014 General Election and in 2015/16 was the Mayor of the Letterkenny Municipal District.
Previously, he served for a ten-year term on the now-defunct Letterkenny Town Council, in the 2011/12 term he was the Mayor of Letterkenny and he is currently the Chairperson of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee.
“I have no doubt that we will work to promote Donegal,” Councillor McMonagle said.
“Donegal is a place I have called home for over 35 years now and it is a place I can never imagine leaving.
“I fully understand the office and am committed to it. I am committed to doing Donegal County Council proud – and I want to deliver for the people of the county and work for the betterment of the county.
“We in Donegal face many challenges in the year ahead, but there are is a bounty of riches to be developed for the county in the North-West region.”
Under an agreement that has been in place since the beginning of this council’s, this is Sinn Féin’s turn to take the offices of Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Councillor McMonagle was accompanied in the chamber by his wife Zena, by sons Ultan, Martin and Dean, his daughters Teresa, Dearbhaile, Nicola and Carol, and a wide circle of the McMonagle clan.
Former Donegal County Councillor Mick Quinn, who recently retired from politics on health grounds, was present, as was Sinn Féin Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn.
Councillor McMonagle was formally proposed by Sinn Féin colleague Marie Therese Gallagher.
“I have known Gerry since I can remember, not just as Councillor Gerry McMonagle, but as ‘Gerry Mac’, as he is affectionately known,” Councillor Gallagher said.
“Gerry has many qualities that he will take to the position and I believe that he will do every member proud in the next 12 months.
“Gerry is a very connected person who is rooted in his community. His close connection and understanding of the needs of the county mean he will further enrich Donegal this year. He has continuously worked to enhance and develop the county as a whole.
“Gerry is a very ambitious person and his understanding of the needs of the people ensure that he will make a fine leader.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray – who was yesterday elected as the Mayor of the Buncrana Municipal District – seconded the proposal.
“Unlike some of us, politics was visited upon Gerry and I have a lot of respect for what he has done,” Councillor Murray said.
Inver-based Sinn Féin Councillor Noel Jordan has been elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach, taking over in that role from Councillor Barry O’Neill.
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