Wishing Councillor Ruairí McHugh all the Best!

Eunan Carlin
Vol. James 'Josie' Connolly Cumann OSF
Castlederg

Last Tuesday night, in the Chamber of Strabane District council, Ruairí Mc Hugh, son of the late Cllr Charlie Mc Hugh was co-opted to the seat left vacant following the untimely and tragic death of his father.

There was mass speculation over the prospect of a by election in the Derg electoral area. This had been sparked by Unionist claims they would contest the seat.

The unopposed co-option is a positive conclusion, in what has been a sombre and difficult time for Sinn Fein in Strabane Comhairle Ceantair, having also lost party stalwart and Civil Rights leader Cllr Ivan Barr earlier in the year.

As family, comrades and friends sat in the public gallery, Ruairi was invited to take his seat by Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty, Sinn Féin Council Chairperson. In his opening speech as Councillor for the people of Castlederg, Cllr Mc Hugh said,

''I am committed to giving my all, on behalf of the people of the Derg, regardless of colour, class or creed.''

''There have been major improvements in community relations in Castlederg in recent times. This has not come about by accident, it has come about because representatives from both sides have sat down and talked and long may this dialogue continue to flourish so as to ensure a better future for everyone in the area and particularly our young people.''

The cumann members of Castlederg Ógra Shinn Féin wish Ruairí all the best in his new role as Councillor Mc Hugh and know that he will do his best for the people of our town.