New Mayor and Deputy Mayor in Derry and Strabane

It’s all change at Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The 40 newly returned councillors elected Mayor Patricia Logue (Sinn Féin) and Deputy Mayor Jason Barr (SDLP) to the top positions at Council’s AGM on Monday evening.

Fulsome tributes were also paid to the outgoing incumbents, Mayor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Féin) and Deputy Mayor Angela Dobbins (SDLP). 

Mayor Logue began by thanking her predecessor for “her leadership, her compassion, her good humour and her friendship” during the past year.

“Sandra has been an outstanding First Citizen and I know I have big boots to fill,” she added.

Mayor Patricia Logue and former Mayor Sandra Duffy.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank my family for all of their support, throughout all my time on Council. And I’d like to thank them in advance for all the support I’m going to need over the next 12 months.

“It has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of the Moor Ward for the past 18 years. I know I simply couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, children and grandchildren.

“And now, as I take up the position of Mayor, where I will be representing all the people of this city and region, I know they will be on my side once again. Indeed will Sandra and all my colleagues in Sinn Féin, who I want to thank for nominating me to this position.

“Because, while the mayoralty is an individual office, we very much believe that showing positive political leadership, building reconciliation, respect and prosperity in this society is a collective responsibility,” said Mayor Logue.

The new first citizen said she believed in the concept of a “Mayor for All”.

“I believe that every citizen of this region has a right to have their voice heard and their aspirations respected. That is the approach which Sandra took and I fully intend to follow her example,” she said.

“Of course, I also know the coming year will be an intense and demanding one. Workers and families continue to face many challenges and there is big work ahead of us in continuing the transformation of this city for the better.

“We must do everything possible, within our power as a local authority, to continue to support workers and families and public services through the rising cost-of-living crisis and deliver first-class council services.

“But I also know from previous mayors that it is a hugely rewarding job. An I give you all my commitment that I will use this office to the very best of my ability to build on the fantastic work that Sandra has already done. 

“I will continue to reach out the hand of friendship. I will continue to be a Mayor for all. And I will do everything in my power to attract jobs, investments and opportunities to this city and region. This is an incredible place. It is full of incredible people. And, I know we can build an incredible future,” said Mayor Logue.

She added: “Over the year ahead, I will put a particular focus on raising much needed funds and awareness of my mayoral charities, which will be the Ryan McBride Foundation and the Foyle Hospice, who both do sterling work in our society.

“I look forward to working with you all over the next 12 months. Go raibh milé maith agaibh.”

Deputy Mayor Jason Barr.

Accepting his role as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jason Barr said it was a great honour.

He added: “I’d like to thank my SDLP colleagues for the nomination and my family and friends for all the help, support and guidance they have given me throughout my political career thus far, particularly during the recent election campaign, which felt like it might never end. Most importantly, to my daughter Fraya, my mum and dad, Kathleen and Noel, my sisters, Donna and Susan, and brothers, Gareth, Noel and David.

“As a proud Strabane man, I am determined to use my platform as Deputy Mayor, as I have throughout my time on Council, to provide a strong voice for my local community, to highlight the issues impacting local people, but also to celebrate our many achievements and showcase everything we have to offer.

“It would be remiss not to acknowledge that people in Strabane feel they do not get their fair share from this Council, and as Deputy Mayor, I will fight to change that perception and to make sure that people in the area feel supported and connected to the work of their representatives.

“Strabane and the Sperrin DEA is a fantastic town and place to live. We have seen significant improvements throughout the area over the last few years. But, the campaign goes on for better facilities, to finally deliver the life-saving A5 road upgrade, for jobs and investment and support for local communities. It really is an area that has so much potential and you’ll forgive me if I shout about it more than a few times over the course of my term,” said Deputy Mayor Barr, who also promised to record the “odd tiktok” throughout his time.

Handing over the Mayoral chain, Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Sandra Duffy reflected on her busy year and extended her sincere thanks to the people of Derry and Strabane for their friendship and hospitality. 

She extended her best wishes and support to the new incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Duffy added: “It has been my greatest honour and privilege to serve as First Citizen of this Council area and I want to thank all those who have supported me over the past year, in particular a big thank you to Kevin and my girls, Dearbhla and Emer, and also to my parents, sister and wider family and friends circle and my father and mother in law.

“You have all been fantastic and I could not have got through the year without your help and support.

“I would like to offer a massive word of thanks to the Deputy Mayor, Angela Dobbins, for all her help throughout the year. I want to wish her good health and happiness in her retirement from politics, but I’m sure she will never be too far away.”

Referencing the late Martin McGuinness, Cllr Duffy said the Good Friday Agreement had laid the foundations for peace and transformation in this society over the past 25 years.

She added: “But foundations are one thing, we have a lot more building to do. 

“Martin McGuinness often said that we have a Peace Process but what we need now is a reconciliation process.

“That is where this journey needs to go now and I believe that this city and region can be a leading light in that.

“We must make this city a welcoming and inclusive place for all. There can be no place for sectarianism, racism, homophobia, bigotry or intolerance of any kind.

“Our shared future must be founded on a new relationship and new mindsets, where we respect each other and where diversity is welcomed and celebrated,” said Cllr Duffy.