Loftus takes Ballina Cathaoirleach role for third time

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Loftus has been elected the new Cathoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District.

The Crossmolina-based representative said it was an honour to be elected for a third term as chair of the North Mayo area.

Cllr Loftus was able to depend on the support of a Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil alliance as he was elected unopposed.
He was proposed by fellow party colleague, Cllr Annie May Reape, and seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly for the role.

Cllr Reape said it gave her great pleasure to nominate the experienced representative.
“Cllr Loftus served very well as the Cathoirleach of Mayo County Council and his name is now synonymous across the county,” she added.

Cllr Munnelly said Cllr Loftus previously excelled in the role when he represented Ballina Municipal District and Mayo County Council with distinction.

“He is someone who is universally liked and celebrated. Michael did a great job representing us at home and abroad,” he said.

Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly was elected unopposed as Leas-Cathoirleach.

He was proposed by Cllr John O’Hara and seconded by Cllr Reape for the position of deputy chair.

Meanwhile, new Knockmore-based Independent councillor Joe Faughnan was also welcomed by the five other councillors as tributes were paid to retired councillor Seamus Weir.