07/06/2006

Strabane council elects first DUP chairman

Strabane District Council has elected a DUP chairman for the first time.

Councillor Thomas Kerrigan, from the DUP, was elected last night after an unanimous vote by the predominantly nationalist council.

Mr Kerrigan, who has served 25-years as a council member has witnessed the party's numerous failed attempts at gaining the post.

Sinn Fein member Gerard Foley was elected as vice-chairman, however the DUP did not support the decision.

The new chairman hit the headlines five years ago after the DUP disciplined him for shaking hands with Sinn Fein member Ivan Barr on his appointment to the post.

(EF/SP)

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