Labour's Pio Smith is Deputy Mayor

Independent Councillor Paddy McQuillan has this evening been elected by fellow members of the Borough District of Drogheda as the town’s 424^th Mayor and Cllr. Pio Smith as his Deputy.

The vote took place at the first ever meeting of the Council in the newly restored Fair Street council chamber which was destroyed by fire on Tuesday Jan 27^th 2009.

In his acceptance speech, the new Mayor said: "It is with enormous pride and deep gratitude that I accept the Office of Mayor in our ancient town of Drogheda which dates from the late 12th Century.

"I would like to thank my elected colleagues for placing their trust in me. I would like to welcome our newly elected councillors and I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead.

"I would like to thank my family members and close friends that are here to celebrate this great occasion. I am also thinking of my parents who are not here to celebrate with us today.

"I would especially like to thank my wife Deirdre for her constant support and encouragement. I can honestly say that I would not be here today without Deirdre by my side. Thank you so much Deirdre.

"So, here we are. A new year and a new mayor. It was only five years ago that the people of Drogheda stood together against the gangs that ravaged our town in a drug feud. The people of Drogheda are resilient. We have shown this in the past, and we can again as we move forward together, united.

"Today we face a new challenge in our town. Many of our heritage buildings are being neglected and ignored. Many other buildings are vacant. To the owners of these buildings let me say. The door of the office of the mayor is always open. We will be reaching out to you in the coming days. Speak with us, let’s find a solution and a resolution to this problem. I urge you.

"The council also must play their part with the buildings they own. The council must lead by example. Again the elected representatives around this table are here to help.

"Drogheda is the greatest town in Ireland. I love Drogheda. As councillors and as mayor, it is our job to constantly improve the well-being and safety of our citizens. As a Destination Heritage Town I want to see our heritage celebrated.

"We have so much to offer. I would like to see Millmount and the Butter Gate developed as our cultural Quarter and a focal point on every tourist’s destination. These rejuvenated together is the way forward.

"The work of the Implementation Board has transformed many parts of our town. The Moneymore community Centre is on track, the community house on the southside is almost ready to open, €12.5m sports arena on the way to name but a few achievements. We also have the West Gate Vision and a new Playground coming.

"But there is more needed for our town. We know that. And as our town develops and grows these needs will grow and we will do our best to meet these challenges. And we will meet these challenges together.

"The mayor is an essential component of our local governance system as it provides an instant and continuous link with the people of this old town who treasure their history and their heritage.

"To the citizens of Drogheda can I just say this? I promise to serve this town to the best of my ability for the term of office. It is my goal to have Drogheda in a more superior position than we find ourselves today. This is achievable if we all work together, all parties and none."

Go raibh maith agat
Councillor Paddy Mc Quillan
Mayor of Drogheda.