Blackie is elected unopposed to Mayo County Council chair

CASTLEBAR Fianna Fail Councillor Blackie Gavin has been installed as the new cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

He was elected unopposed at today's annual general meeting of the authority and he succeeds Claremorris Independent Councillor Richard Finn.

Councillor Gavin was proposed for the chair by his party colleague, Councillor Al McDonnell. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne (Independent).

In his address, he promised to work for the continued development of GMIT in the town.

Councillor Gavin expressed disappointment at the failure to appoint a head of campus at the college and the uncertainty which surrounds future courses at the complex.

The new cathaoirleach also pledged support for efforts to make Castlebar a regional sporting hub and to seek funding to complete an all weather running track and playing pitches.

Councillor Gavin becomes the first county town-based cathaoirleach since Councillor Frank Durcan in 1980/81.

Crossmolina Councillor Micheál Loftus (FF) was selected as leas cathaoirleach.