The new chair of Mid Ulster District Council Dominic Molloy has said the local council area must play its part in preparing for a ‘new Ireland’.
Sinn Féin councillor Dominic Molloy was nominated by the party as the chair of the council for the upcoming year, with the UUP’s Meta Graham being chosen as deputy chair by her party.
The republican party was once again the largest in the council area following local council elections last month which saw it gain 39 seats to become the largest in Northern Ireland at local government level.
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In his opening remarks as chair, Dungannon councillor Molloy, who is the son of current Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy, said change was happening ‘before our very eyes’.
“Change is undeniably happening before our very eyes on a daily basis,” Cllr Molloy said.
A new Ireland is emerging, a new Ireland which must be inclusive, non discriminatory, a new Ireland which reimagines how it serves its people and manages its resources.
“Mid Ulster must play its part in shaping that ongoing discussion around how and what that new Ireland looks like.
“My father entered this chamber in 1985 as one of only four Sinn Féin councillors elected to Dungannon and South Tyrone council.
“Those were groundbreaking days, when our councillors were excluded, marginalised, abused and shamefully treated.
“Whilst I always define myself as my own person , I am nonetheless, immensely proud of his achievements.”
Cllr Molloy added it was a ‘huge privilege’ for him to step into the role for the next twelve months.
“It’s a huge privilege and honour for me personally to step into the role, but I feel it’s equally shared by the good people of Dungannon DEA who put their faith in myself and councillor Varsani to represent them.
“I wish to acknowledge the sterling work of our outgoing chair Cllr Corry and deputy Cllr Burton. It was clear throughout the year that they had a great working relationship and as previous chairs have done, the bar again has been raised.
“I extend my congratulations to you all and your recent electoral success, to those who have been returned reelected and to those 12 new members to the council.”
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