Sinn Fein Councillor Cathy Rafferty has been elected tonight (Monday) as the new Lord Mayor of Armagh City and District Council.
Councillor Rafferty will hold the historic honour of being the last ever Lord Mayor of Armagh, as the new ‘super-councils’ come into full being next April.
She replaces Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Turner in the role.
Cathty Rafferty, centre, has been elected Lord Mayor of Armagh
The election, using the d’Hondt system, took place at the annual general meeting of the council at the Palace in Armagh tonight.
The new Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh is Ulster Unionist Councillor Joy Rollston.
She replaces Sinn Fein Councillor Gerard Paul White.
Speaking following the final AGM of Armagh City & District Council, Cathy said: “This is the last time that Armagh Council will have its own Mayor and I am determined to ensure that this term leaves a lasting impression on the people of the District.
“I am delighted to have been selected by Sinn Féin and I am really looking forward to representing the District at events throughout the country and making sure that the image of Armagh is promoted as widely as possible.”
Speaking on her hopes for the Mayoralty, Cathy said: “There are several flagship projects which I am keen to see delivered such as the opening of Armagh’s first Cultúrlann, the renovation and reopening of Armagh Gaol and the Shared Education Campus Project. We will also celebrate and recognise 20 years of Bunscoil Ard Macha and I am looking forward to seeing all of these plans coming to fruition
“I want to work with local community groups, sports clubs and voluntary organisations to ensure that they are fully supported to deliver their full potential for the people of the area.”
Councillor Rafferty also intends her mayoralty to focus on cross border and cross community cooperation.
“I want to do everything I can though the office of the Mayor to ensure that this area develops and progresses and I will create and maintain links with my counterparts in our neighbouring counties to do this. I will also offer the hand of friendship to all of the people who call the Armagh District home and I hope to help create a welcoming environment in our area.”
New Lord Mayor Rafferty has been a Sinn Féin elected representative since 2001. She is a prominent member of the Neighbourhood Renewal Committee and also sits on the committees of Naíscoil and Bunscoil Ard Mhaca.
She is involved in the Appleby Trust, which is a charity for children with learning difficulties, and helps run the family business, a popular Armagh pub, the Cuchulainn Bar.
Councillor Rafferty decided not to seek re-election last month and her replacement at the polls, Councillor Garath Keating, was returned on a huge vote.
More county Armagh news:
Woman attacked and knocked out by two men in Lurgan
‘Devastating proposals’ for health services in Armagh prompt urgent meeting with Trust’s boss
Armagh man fined for selling ‘clocked car’ and denying he was car dealer
Heart-break as little Daniel loses fight for life
Armagh ban appeals quashed as Rafferty suffers hand injury
Major diesel laundering plant uncovered in Crossmaglen
Anne McArdle is Lord Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year
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