Outgoing first citizen Mary Garrity is preparing to step down from the role she has held for the past 12 months. She is widely tipped to be replaced by Coa Sinn Fein councillor Stephen McCann at next Monday’s AGM. 

Under the D’Hondt system, the new chairman for the coming year will be from Sinn Fein who had sought nominations for the post with Cllrs McCann from the West Tyrone Electoral Area or Barry McNally from Carrickmore among those tipped to take over.  

The Ulster Unionists have already selected their Enniskillen-based Cllr Alex Baird to be the next vice-chair, replacing his party colleague, Bert Wilson from Omagh. Mr Baird has previously served as chairman on two occasions, in 2007/8 and 2013/4.   

As she approaches her final few days as chairman, Cllr Garrity reflected on her term in office and paid tribute to the work and dedication of all her fellow councillors and council officers. 

She told the Herald: “It has been a great honour to have been entrusted with the role of first citizen and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time meeting so many wonderful and inspirational people along the way. It has been a fantastic year and while it will be great to get some time back, it will be tinged with sadness. 

“My family will be glad to have a bit of me back again and the return of some home-cooked meals! It has been a very successful year for the Council with lots of awards won and highlights including the opening of the Enniskillen Castle Museum and the staging of Proms in the Park this September.”