Golden moment for new town council chairman

Independent councillor Trevor Golden was elected unopposed as the new cathaoirleach of Trim Town Council at its annual general meeting last week, taking over the chain of office from outgoing chairman, Cllr Ray Butler of Fine Gael. This is Cllr Golden's second term as Trim Town Council cathaoirleach, having previously held the office from June 2008 to June 2009. He takes over as chairman in line with the pact agreed between Fine Gael, Labour and the independent councillor after last year's local elections. Cllr Butler paid tribute to town council staff and fellow councillors and said they had a beautiful town that everyone can be proud of, before handing over the chain to Cllr Golden and wishing him well. Cllr Golden said it was a great honour that the people of Trim had put their confidence and trust in him to represent them and said he would work to the best of his ability to serve the people of the town. He outlined his priorities for the year, which include the proposed local enterprise centre, delivering the new town centre, continuing the street restoration project with Watergate Street and getting the plans for Navan Gate on display, as well as the town's boundary extension. Cllr Golden added that no effort would be spared in progressing the theatre and playground projects. Town manager Kevin Stewart paid tribute to outgoing cathaoirleach Ray Butler and said he knew how hard he had worked on behalf of the town during his year as chairman. He also congratulated Cllr Golden on his election and pledged the support of management and staff. Mr Stewart said he knew the enterprise centre was a priority for Cllr Golden and that they expected a draft report on the feasibility study in the next week to 10 days. "I look forward to working on the projects you mentioned, though it will be tough and money is not plentiful, but we have always made the best of the funds we had," added Mr Stewart. Councillors paid tribute to both the outgoing cathaoirleach for his work throughout the year and also congratulated the new cathaoirleach and wished him well in his role. Cllr James O'Shea was elected as leas-cathaoirleach and said he was delighted and honoured to be Cllr Golden's assistant for the year.