Convoy councillor Liam Doherty is new cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar MD

Sinn Féin councillor Liam Doherty was unanimously selected as the new cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District at its annual general meeting which was held at the County House in Lifford this (Monday) morning. He takes over for the district's final term before next year's local elections

He promised he would "keep the ball rolling" to make sure all the work currently ongoing in this district would continue. He was nominated for the position by his party colleague, Cllr Gary Doherty and seconded by Cllr Martin Harley.

Outgoing cathaoirleach, Cllr Patrick McGowan thanked his council colleagues and council staff for their cooperation and hard work during his term in office. He said they had made much progress but added there was still a lot of work to be done tackling things like the new Ballybofey-Stranorlar bypass, the defective blocks situation and the development of the Greenway project between Ballybofey and Donegal Town.

Councillors Gerry Crawford, Gary Doherty, Martin Harley and Liam Doherty all thanked Cllr McGowan for his efficient and fair term in office adding despite many challenges, they all worked together to ensure they kept their municipal district working well.

The council's directing housing, Patsy Lafferty also commended Cllr McGowan for his work as cathaoirleach.

The new cathaoirleach said he recognised the hard work and commitment that was needed for the job and promised he would maintain that during his term. He added this was his first opportunity to be cathaoirleach and was looking forward to it.

Cllr McGowan was selected as leas-cathaoirleach.