The new President of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG). Kilkenny’s Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick said he is “delighted and very deeply honoured and humbled” to represent the needs of 949 elected councillors at government level during his one year term of office.

Addressing delegates, following his election at the AGM in Carlow on 29 September, Cllr Fitzpatrick referred to the ongoing important work undertaken by the organisation. “As elected councillors, we’re at the heart of local government. We ensure that we do our best on behalf of every community in Ireland by providing a strong voice for local people and promoting the welfare and good government of the people of Ireland.

“As a national representative voice of local government in Ireland, AILG will continue to protect, support and champion local democracy and the vital role of Elected Councillors within our local government system.”

Cllr Fitzpatrick said that during his one-year term of office, he will continue to ensure that “the voice of the councillor remains at the forefront of local government issues at all times and that our contributions are represented in government departments and throughout the full range of state agencies”.

Joining Cllr Fitzpatrick at the helm is Donegal County Councillor Patrick McGowan who was voted Vice President at the AGM. The AILG is the networking, policy development and training resource for the elected members of Ireland’s 31 county and city councils.

For further information visit www.ailg.ie