Ruairí McHugh becomes new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District

Derry Journal

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00:00Congratulations aye. Well done. Well done, you've been here.

00:05I've got a little bit of time.

00:11Introduce yourself, meaning this is the first time introducing yourself. What's the title?

00:14Smasher Rory McEw. My name's Rory McEw and I'm going to be the next Mayor of Derry's

00:20Surrensdale Band District Council for the next 12 months.

00:23And how are you feeling? This really is a pretty big day for you. Are you working on the night?

00:27I have to be honest, I definitely feel a wave of mixed emotions. It was very apprehensive

00:34before the start of the AGM. Obviously I'm feeling very proud and I'm very excited as well for

00:39what's in store for the year ahead. Looking forward to getting out and about and meeting

00:43the great people of Derry's Surrensdale Band District Council.

00:46Can you tell me about your choice and charity? I believe one is suicide prevention. What was it?

00:52Derry, Castle Derry Patient and Comfort Terminal Fund. I picked those two charities because,

00:58as I said in my speech, I don't think there's anybody throughout the city and district who

01:03hasn't been affected by somebody who has taken their own life, whether it's a family member,

01:08or a friend, or an acquaintance. So, obviously somebody who has experience of that in my own

01:14family. I was very conscious of that. So, that's why I picked PIP Suicide Prevention Derry.

01:22And then a local charity to where I'm from, Castle Derry area, they do great work in the community.

01:29And likewise, there's nobody who hasn't had somebody who's maybe suffering from a terminal illness

01:35or a life-restricting illness. And they come out and provide care in the home. So, I was very pleased

01:41that they and PIP Suicide Derry and Castle Derry. Patient Comfort and Terminal Fund have agreed

01:48to be my two chosen charities for the coming year. So, I hope everybody throughout the city and district

01:54will give generously throughout the year.

01:57And then, you've had your first taste of mairship today, or all the cameras. How are you taking that?

02:02Well, as my party leader said in his speech, he said, Ruri's going to be out of his comfort zone.

02:08And I'm very much an introvert. I'm definitely not an extrovert. So, I was very apprehensive

02:14in taking on this role. But, you know, you have to challenge yourself sometimes to make yourself grow.

02:21So, yeah, I'm apprehensive about it. But, I'm sure anybody in the same position would be as well.

02:28So, you know, you just have to, you have to do these things sometimes.

02:31Opportunities like this don't come along too often. So, yeah, raring to go.

02:36And can you, I know it's only the first day here, but can you tell me what you're hoping to see you

02:41with Deputy Mayor McMorris or on the side of you?

02:47Well, I know Nairie, obviously, from the Council. I know she's a very good representative for her ward on the water side.

02:56So, like the previous Mayor and Deputy Mayor, I would look, obviously, to rely on Nairie's help

03:03for maybe some engagements I can't make, or we're double-booked. And I have no doubt whatsoever

03:11that myself and Nairie will work very closely together. And if we work half as well as the previous Mayor

03:17and Deputy Mayor, then I think we'll be doing a good job.

03:20And last question, really glad to hear, but if you were to speak to directly to the people of Paris or Manon,

03:24what would you say to them?

03:26I would say to them, I'm going to be a mayor for all. And I know that might be a bit of a cliché

03:32for all the mayors to say that, but I genuinely intend to be a mayor for everybody,

03:37no matter what their political belief is or what church you pray in.

03:43And I'll be out and about. I'll be in the rural and I'll be in the city. I'll be a genuine mayor for all.

03:48And I'm really looking forward to getting back into the grassroots,

03:52visiting those community groups or sports clubs, businesses. And just, I would say to them,

04:00invite me to any event that you're hosting. I'll do my very best. If I can make it, I'll be there.

04:05Stay there, that's it. Come on.

04:10So I'm like, wait, hold on.

04:13I'm like, hold on.

04:15I'm like...

04:16And I'm like...

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