Ballyjamesduffs paddy smith is new council chair

Ballyjamesduff Councillor Paddy Smith became the new chair of Cavan County Council this afternoon, taking over from Fianna Fail Cllr Shane P O'Reilly.

The popular Fine Gael man was selected unopposed by members at their annual general meeting which began at around 4pm.

Vice-chair of the council goes to Bailieborough's Niamh Smyth (FF), poll topper in the county last May, who takes over from Val Smith (FG).

Sinn Fein congratulated Cllr Smith on his elevation and said they wanted to put councillors on notice that they wanted to the chair in 12 months time if the council was to be a consensual one.

Congratulations came from all sides for the taxi-driver, who had been through a very difficult few recent years, losing both a son and his wife. He praised his family for supporting him through both tragedies and said that it was a 'huge honour' and a 'great day' for him.

For full report see this week's Anglo Celt.