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Retiring council chief executive reflects on ‘honour’ of serving in Strabane district

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Local authority to host reception in his honour. THE retiring chief executive of Strabane District Council has called for clarity over the beleaguered shake-up of local government, as he steps into retirement.
On Thursday evening, Philip Faithfull will attend a reception in Strabane District Council's offices to mark his retirement from the helm of the local authority after a decade.
The former teacher, who has also worked for Derry City and Omagh District Councils, said it had been "an honour" to serve the people of his home town.
However, he also voiced caution. With Northern Ireland's Review of Public Administration (RPA) still on the agenda - which will see Strabane and Derry councils merge - he stressed the district must emerge "stronger" from the process.
“Local government is changing and I sincerely hope that this council can emerge from any reorganisation as a stronger district, where local issues still can be dealt with at a local level for the benefit of this district and the wider region," Mr Faithfull said earlier this week.
“The Review of Public Administration (RPA) has not been easy over the past few years and there is now a need for clarity to ensure job security, local accountability and prepare local government for the challenges in the future."
Community spirit
The strength of Strabane's community spirit would be one of his lasting impressions from a decade at the heart of public life in the district.
“It has been a tremendous experience and I have met some great people right across the district who have the interest of this area at heart," he said.
“The people of Strabane area make this district, and I am always impressed with the way the local volunteers and community workers strive to add value to their areas.
“The staff working for the council have always given me great support and I really appreciate their hard work both within the council offices and at the other facilities throughout the district. The staff quietly get on with their work and their contribution often goes unrecognised.
“The councillors have always treated me with the greatest respect and I have learnt so much from their advice and commitment to their communities. I think that we have always had a good working relationship and I have really seen the positive difference they can make to the district."
He added: "I thank all the people of Strabane district for their excellent support, the traders, the press, the public, the workforce, public agencies, councillors - both past and present - and all the other people who make this area a great place to be.
“I have met many old friends, made a lot of new ones, and hope that I have made some small difference for the better in my time in charge.
“There is still a lot to do and I wish I could have seen it through to the end, but that was not to be. Thank you all and good luck for the future."

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