In his first roles after taking office, new Mayor Maoliosa McHugh opened a book of condolence for the victims of the London terror attacks
THE new mayor Derry and Strabane has vowed to work for the whole community and wants to bring more jobs and investment into the council area.
Maoliosa McHugh, a Sinn Fein councillor from Castlederg, was installed as the new mayor on Monday t the council’s AGM, taking over the chain of office from his predecessor Hilary McClintcck.
On Tuesday, one of his first roles was to hold a minute’s silence for those killed in the London terror attacks and open a book of condolence in the Guildhall for the innocent victims of Saturday night’s.
Mayor McHugh has already had a taster of his new civic role, having occupied the position of presiding officer over the shadow council prior to the creation of the Derry Strabane super council in 2014.
Cllr McHugh paid tribute to both the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and pledged to provide inclusive leadership for all.
“Whilst chair of the shadow council I pledged to engage with all without exception,” he declared.
“I now pledge as a Mayor for all, to be inclusive, providing civic leadership and support to all communities, from The Derg to Sperrin and from Tullywhisker to Tullyally.
“I will seek to promote respect, inclusive politics and equality.”
Cllr McHugh laid out a four part agenda for his year as Mayor, highlighting Infrastructure, Jobs, Investment, Youth-Opportunities and Challenges, Inclusivity, and the Irish language as the top priorities for the City and District.
He also stressed that Brexit would be one of the key challenges which he would face during his tenure.
“Already strong links have been forged with our neighbours in the Donegal Council area and I will continue to encourage and support the development of these strong bonds as we work together to mitigate the impending negative effects of Brexit.
“During my time as Mayor I will work tirelessly to attract investment to this City and District and will welcome the opportunity to meet with trade delegations, potential investors and others to promote this city and region.”
Cllr McHugh selected Aware as his chosen charity for the year, praising the support work they carry out in the community for people with mental health issues, particularly their role in supporting young people.
“I am ready to take on the challenge of being First Citizen of Derry and Strabane.”.
Reflecting on her busy year in office, Alderman McClintock shared some of the highlights, saying it had been a privilege to act as First Citizen.
She paid tribute to the Deputy Mayor Cllr Jim McKeever for his support and said she had received invitations from all sections of the community and district, and been accepted in many different areas.
“I now count among my friends the Filipino community, the Chinese community, members of the Islamic centre and of course the Syrian refugee group.
“I’ve also been struck by the number of tourists from all over the world flocking to the city – it’s fantastic to see that number of people coming through our Guildhall.”
Alderman McClintock also looked back on her trips to New York, Boston, and London as memorable highlights of her year and the wide range of cultural events, including the Decade of Centenary events, Halloween and the Jazz Festival.
She said that while it had been a steep learning curve, she had relished the challenge and she wished her successor Councillor McHugh well in taking up those challenges going forwards.
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