NI Local Government Association holds first AGM

The first AGM of the new Northern Ireland Local Government Association has been held this week in Coleraine.

Over 140 councillors from all shades of political opinion, and representing all 26 councils in Northern Ireland, met together with a common goal of working to enhance and develop local government in the province.

The outgoing president, Councillor Mrs Liz Johnston, thanked colleagues for their support and said that given "the divisions of political opinion it was truly gratifying to see the work that had been done by everyone over that last year".

She added: "The work of NILGA is off to a very good start, this is made all the more significant as we have not been able to have a local government association for almost 20 years in Northern Ireland - indeed this is quite an historic occasion and I am very pleased to be involved."

Councillor Maurice Mills from Ballymena was appointed as the new President, and in his opening remarks he pledged his commitment to developing NILGA.

“We have not yet fully capitalised on the opportunities on devolution – we must now work to ensure a strong and effective role for local government in the future," he said.

Organisational business was concluded and the meeting went on to discuss the more pressing issues and problems. Government policies such as the review of public administration, financing our future and the review of rating policy where discussed along with environmental issues such as coastal zone management, radio active pollution from Sellafield and the farming crisis.

Members were also briefed on the local government staff pay dispute.

(MB)