Fianna Fáil's Michael Loftus elected Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council

FIANNA Fáil county councillor Michael Loftus has become the first Crossmolina man ever to be elected Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

Cllr Loftus was elected unopposed at the Annual General Meeting of the local authority at Áras an Contae this afternoon.

He was proposed as Cathaoirleach Cllr Damien Ryan and seconded by Cllr Annie May Reape, both fellow Fianna Fáil members.

Castlebar-based Martin McLoughlin (Fianna Fáil) will serve as Leas-Cathaoirleach after being proposed and seconded by Cllr Ryan and and Cllr Al McDonnell (both Fianna Fáil).

Speaking following his election, Cllr Loftus hit out at 'unjust online abuse' being leveled at councillors, who he said were expected to be available on a '24/7' basis.

The long-time businessman said he was 'deeply concerned' about the impact on businesses of a new rates valuation system which is to be introduced later this year.

He also doubled down on his call for the for the new pyrite redress scheme to be expedited.

The Mayo Joint Policing Committee member called for more gardaí to be put in place in Mayo and said drugs had become a major problem in the county.

He also raise the issue of a delay in the long-awaited Crossmolina flood relief scheme, which he said was causing 'immense anxiety' for locals.

Cllr Loftus, who is the son of the late All-Ireland winner Dr Mick Loftus, was first elected to the local authority in 2014 and was re-elected at the 2019 local election.

Councillors from across part lines extended their praise to Cllr Loftus, with fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Brendan Mulroy describing him as 'one of life's good guys'.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Séamus Weir said it was a source of 'great pride' to serve in the role after a 'busy, busy year'.

During his term, Cllr Weir attended the opening of the new N5 dual carriageway from Turlough to Westport.

He also formally welcomed US President Joe Biden to Mayo when he landed at Knock Airport, which he described as his 'biggest highlight'.

The Independent councillor paid tribute to his family, his fellow councillors Mayo County Council's executive staff for their support during his term.

Fianna Fáil whip Cllr Damien Ryan said that Cllr Weir represented the council in an 'exemplary' fashion and wished him the best for the future.

Fine Gael whip Cllr Michael Burke also extended his thanks to Cllr Weir, whom he described as 'fair and reasonable'.

There will be more coverage plus reaction to the election of Cllr Michael Loftus in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.