Deputy Mayor Cllr Catherine McDaid inaugural speech
AGM Monday, 01 June 2026
Deputy Mayor Speech
Cllr Catherine McDaid
It is an absolute honour to be nominated as Deputy Mayor for the city and district that shaped me and that I am proud to call home.
I want to begin by thanking my husband, James, my children, Danny, Conor and Aodhan, my mammy and my sisters and everyone who has supported me throughout my time in council. And I would like to mention my daddy, his 10th anniversary was a few months ago, and I can only imagine what he would be saying today but I like to think that I am making him proud.
Politics can demand a lot from families, with long evenings at meetings and time spent away from home, and I simply couldn’t do it without the love, patience and support of my family and friends.
I also want to thank my colleagues in the SDLP for placing their trust in me and nominating me for this role.
I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing Mayor Ruairí McHugh and Deputy Mayor Niree McMorris who have carried out their duties with grace and kindness throughout the year.
To the incoming Mayor Grace Uí Niallais, I am really looking forward to working together over the next year on behalf of the people we represent. It is brilliant to see two strong women in these positions on council and I hope that sends a powerful message to young women and girls across our city and district about the role they can play in public life.
I want to use my year as Deputy Mayor to continue to speak up for the causes and the people I care deeply about, just as I have for the past few years.
I will continue to call for meaningful action to tackle violence against women and girls.
Since I was elected 3 years ago, 13 women have been murdered in the north of Ireland, including here in our own city. We must continue to stand up, speak out and demand meaningful and tangible action to tackle this scourge on society.
I believe we have a responsibility to show solidarity with oppressed and marginalised people both here and around the world. I have been proud to stand with the people of Derry and Strabane in solidarity with the people of Gaza and in opposition to the genocide we are witnessing. I am proud to come from a city that has always understood injustice and that has never stayed silent in the face of suffering.
But solidarity begins at home. Too many families across our city and district are struggling day in day out and I will continue to be a voice for all those people.
We have such incredible sporting and community organisations right across Derry and Strabane. I am looking forward to meeting organisations, clubs, volunteers, coaches and young people from across the district and hearing their stories. These organisations build confidence, community spirit and opportunity for young people and they deserve recognition and support.
As Deputy Mayor I want to be someone that people know will stand up for them regardless of their background.
In particular I want to reach out to our ethnic minority and migrant communities who I know are feeling increasingly uneasy because of the rise in racism and far-right sentiment both here and across the world. Let me say clearly, you belong here. This city is your home and there is no place in Derry and Strabane for hatred, division or those who seek to scapegoat others for political gain.
I am looking forward to the year ahead and celebrating everything that makes Derry and Strabane so special. From our thriving arts and cultural scene to our sporting achievements and everything in between!
Derry and Strabane is a place that has endured hardship, inequality and division, but it is also a place defined by resilience, solidarity and community. Time and time again our people have shown that when others fail us, we stand up for one another This city has so much to be proud of. Our greatest strength has always been our people. We are creative, talented. resilient and compassionate. That’s what I love about Derry and why I can’t wait for my year as Deputy Mayor.
Thank you.