Mayo Fianna Fáil whip appointed to key district role after busy week

The Fianna Fáil whip on Mayo County Council has been appointed to another key role.

The Ballinrobe-based representative, who served as cathaoirleach of the council in 2014/15, is the new chair of the joint Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District.

After a busy week dealing with the internal fall-out from Castlebar Councillor Blackie Gavin's decision to walk away from the party at the council's annual general meeting, he was appointed unopposed at today's meeting thanks to an agreement in place between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The alliance has a six-strong block - Michael Burke, FG, John Caulfield, FF, Neil Cruise, FG, Alma Gallagher, FG, Adrian Forkan, FF, and Ryan, FF - on the 10-strong committee, placing it in a dominant position.

The other members are Richard Finn Ind., Paul Lawless, Aontú, Gerry Murray, SF, and Patsy O'Brien, Ind.

Councillor Ryan was elected unopposed.

He thanked the committee members for their support and looked forward to a year of further progress and development in the Claremorris and Swinford district, calling for a partnership approach in addressing key issues.

Newly-elected Ballyhaunis Fine Gael Councillor Alma Gallagher was installed as leas-cathaoirleach.

She is expected to be appointed to the post of chair during the five-year term of the committee.