“I look forward to working with you all over the next year in a positive and constructive manner”

The new Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has described being the first Democratic Unionist to hold the post as “a great honour” and expressed his gratitude at being given the opportunity to serve the community.

After being invested with the Chain of Office, Councillor Errol Thompson began by thanking his party colleagues: “Who have entrusted the role of Chair to me for the incoming year. It is a great honour for both for my party and myself to be the first Democratic Unionist Councillor nominated to the post, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve this district as Chair.

“I am committed to ensuring the council as a civic authority provides strong leadership and support to the business, voluntary, and community sectors, to ensure recovery from the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic is strong, and more importantly, sustainable into the future.

“To achieve this, looking forward to working with our Chief Executive, Directors, Heads of Service, officers and staff. One of my key priorities will be to work with a range of stakeholders to maximise the potential of the district.”

He continued: “With the recent easing of restrictions and the continued roll out of the vaccination scheme, it is my wish there are better days ahead for us all. I publicly thank the huge number of volunteers and frontline service workers in all sectors, who have done so much to keep our communities going in the face of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Your efforts have been truly inspirational.”

The Chair congratulated the outgoing office-bearers Councillor Diana Armstrong and Councillor John Coyle, for: “The wonderful job in their respective roles, in what were extremely challenging times,” and vowed to endeavour to build on this, representing all residents to the best of his ability.

He told members: “I look forward to working with you all over the next year in a positive and constructive manner.”

The new Chair thanked his wife Elaine, family circle, friends and party colleagues for their support since he first became an elected representative in June 2010, serving on many council committees, subcommittees, working groups, and outside bodies.

 

Previous history of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s new Chair Democratic Unionist Councillor Errol Thompson

Nominated to the Legacy Omagh District Council in June 2010

Elected to the Legacy Omagh District Council in May 2011

Full Time Councillor and Public Representative from May 2011to present.

Chairman of the Legacy Omagh District Council (2012 – 2013)

Member of and served as Chair of Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership

Member of the Statutory Transition Committee (August 2013 – April 2014)

Elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in 2014 (Sitting in Shadow Form until 2015).

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council – Regeneration and Community Committee (2015 – 2016)

Party Group Leader from 2016 to the Present

Re-elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in 2019