Cllr McHugh elected Mayor and pledges Inclusive Leadership with a focus on the local community
2 June 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council tonight elected a new Mayor to represent the City and District for the incoming 2025-26 year; Sinn Fein’s Cllr Ruairi McHugh accepted the Mayoral chain from his predecessor Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr at the Council’s AGM in the Guildhall.
The new Mayor will be supported in his role by the DUP Deputy Mayor Alderman Niree McMorris. Formally accepting the chain of office, Mayor Ruairi McHugh from his predecessor Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said he felt “very proud and humbled “ to be given the opportunity to take up the Mayoral position and made a commitment that his Mayoral year would be focused on inclusive leadership, continued development, and unwavering support for the community.
The Mayor, a proud native of Castlederg, highlighted a deep connection to the community and a strong family legacy of public service. He spoke of the steadfast support from the people of Derg Ward, who have consistently returned him to office since 2008. The Mayor also paid tribute to party colleagues, particularly his own party Sinn Fein, and acknowledged the influence of mentors like Maolíosa McHugh MLA.
A poignant moment in the speech was the remembrance of departed party comrades and family members, including the Mayor's late father, Charlie, who was among the first Sinn Féin Councillors elected to the former Strabane Council in 1985. He said: "I hope that he is by my side and is also as proud of me, as I am of him, as I take on this position of Mayor.”
Mayor McHugh emphasised the exciting period ahead for the Council and District with the ambitious City Deal and capital spending plan to include new state-of-the-art sports and leisure facilities for Strabane and Templemore, and ongoing regeneration efforts in Castlederg and other areas across the District. He said the City and Growth Deal funding had huge transformative potential with the capacity to create jobs and unlock the region's full economic capability.
While acknowledging the impact of sustained cuts from the British Government on local authorities, the Mayor expressed confidence in navigating these challenges through collaboration with the Assembly and Executive, paying tribute to interventions by Economy Ministers Conor Murphy and Caoimhe Archibald regarding the City of Derry Airport as an example of what can be achieved through political will.
The Mayor took the opportunity to reflect on global events, specifically addressing the ongoing conflict in Palestine. He said he was extremely proud of the Council’s consistent stance for peace and justice, adding: "There is a duty on political leaders to speak out against injustice and what we are witnessing in Palestine is a genocide. It cannot be allowed to continue. It must stop. There must be a ceasefire now and an end to the unjustifiable slaughter of a defenceless civilian population."
Mayor McHugh reiterated his commitment to inclusivity saying: “I believe in the concept of an inclusive Mayor and that showing positive political leadership, building reconciliation, respect and prosperity in this society is a collective responsibility, “adding that he was dedicated to work in collaboration with all council members to ensure first-class services and equitable distribution of resources for all citizens.
Concluding, Mayor McHugh extended his thanks to the outgoing Mayor Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr and Deputy Mayor Alderman Darren Guy for their year’s service. He extended his congratulations to the Deputy Mayor Alderman McNiree saying he looked forward to working with her during his tenure.
In closing, Mayor McHugh announced the two charities that will be the focus of fundraising efforts throughout his Mayoral year: PIPS Suicide Prevention Derry and The Castlederg Patient and Comfort Terminally Ill Fund.
Mayor McHugh acknowledging the fantastic work that the charities do said: "There's probably no-one present here or throughout this District who hasn't been affected by suicide in some way or had a very sick family member or friend receive medical care at home due to a life limiting illness” highlighting the invaluable work both organisations perform across the council area,” adding that he was committed to doing what he can to raise their profile and raise as much money as possible during his term in office.
Waterside based elected member Alderman Niree McMorris accepting her role as Deputy Mayor said it was a proud occasion for her and her family saying: “I pledge to represent everyone from our city and district and I will support our Mayor to carry out all civic duties, both fairly and compassionately. This role is an honour and privilege and I am delighted to be able to serve the good people of both Londonderry and Strabane district.”
The meeting is broadcast live on the Council’s Youtube where it can be watched back.