Ex-council chief is Cosla president

Jun 29 2012

The former leader of North Ayrshire Council has been elected as president of the body which represents local authorities.

Councillor David O'Neill was appointed at a meeting of Cosla in Edinburgh, replacing Pat Watters who has been president of the body for 11 years.

Councillor Michael Cook from Scottish Borders Council is appointed vice-president.

Mr O'Neill, a Labour councillor, said: "This is a great honour for me. 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.

"I can assure both my colleagues in local government and the people of Scotland that, working with Michael as vice-president, we will give the roles our absolute all."

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 that has delivered real benefits for people in Scotland since 2007."

Labour local government spokeswoman Sarah Boyack said: "I welcome David O'Neill's election. I think he will lead Cosla in a consensual, sensible and pragmatic way, putting the needs of local government first.

"Although Labour is now a larger party than the SNP on Cosla, the days of Cosla being dominated by any one party are over and I am sure David will attract the cross-party support needed to ensure a strong voice for local government."