Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Kenna became the chairperson of Dundalk District Council when the body held its AGM on Tuesday evening, 26 June. Kenna becomes the first Sinn Féin representative to hold the post.

Kenna, a member of Dundalk UDC since 1994, has served as vice-chair for the past 12 months. He is one of two Sinn Féin members on the council.

Congratulating his party colleague, Louth County Councillor Arthur Morgan said: `` This council term will be distiunguished by its republican and labour character and Councillor Kenna will ensure that the council truly represents the ordinary worker and local communities in Dundalk.''

Chris MacManus elected Sligo Deputy Mayor

Councillor Chris MacManus has been elected Deputy Mayor of Sligo Corporation. MacManus, proposed by his party colleague Arthur Gibbons, was elected with the unanimous support of all parties on the council.

His election follows a successful year for his father, Alderman Seán MacManus, as Mayor of Sligo. MacManus the Elder was praised by all council members for his campaign to save Sligo Corporation's status, previously under threat from the Environment minister's Local Government Bill, and for his initiative in starting a Cross-Border Economic Forum, which involved nine councils throughout the North West.

After his election, 28-year-old Chris MacManus said: ``Not only does my election show that Sinn Féin and republicanism are central to political and community life in Sligo, but also that there is a role for our younger citizens in civic and public affairs (Sligo's new Mayor, Alderman Jude Devins, is 25). It is my belief that this will further enhance our growing support among young people in Connacht/Ulster, where a recent survey showed that Sinn Féin was the best supported party among young people.''