Donegal Town Community Chamber has hit back at claims by outgoing Mayor Tom Conaghan that he did not receive the full support of members.
The Chamber issued a statement today saying the Honorary Mayor is not stepping down, his term of office is due to expire and full arrangements are in place for the election of the next Honorary Mayor.
It said that Tom Conaghan is entitled to stand for election if he so wishes and, as with all nominations, the chamber welcomes his participation.
“We acknowledge the work Tom Conaghan carried out over his term of office, and the benefits it brought to the town and area. It was clear to us at our monthly meetings which he attended that his commitment and drive was unstinting.
“It was with disappointment and sadness that we learned of his frustration and his assertion that he did not receive co-operation from the majority of the Community Chamber.
“We were never led to believe at any of our meetings that the Honorary Mayor had any grievance with our working relationship with him. Not alone did we feel happy in our support of him, we also extended financial support when necessary.
“We rely on our membership for funding (Business and Community Groups). Other sources of funding i.e. DSP are for specific projects and cannot be used for anything else. Financial statements are available at our AGM’s. Like many voluntary groups at present we are constrained by lack of finance.
The chamber said that despite his comments the chamber wishes Mr Conaghan well in the future, and look forward to co-operating with him for the benefit of the town and area.
“We all share the same aims and vision for our town,” it said.