National role for former council chief

Published on 30/06/2012 02:38

THE former leader of North Ayrshire Council has been elected as president of the body representing local authorities.

David O’Neill was appointed at a meeting of Cosla in Edinburgh, replacing Pat Watters.

Mr O’Neill, a Labour councillor, said: “Having been the leader of a local authority for three terms, a challenging position which I found both enjoyable and extremely interesting, there was only ever one position in Scottish local government which would offer me a more interesting challenge, and that is the president of Cosla.”

Local government minister Derek Mackay said: “I congratulate Councillor O’Neill and look forward to developing the productive relationship between the Scottish Government and local government.”