Press Release

Council agree to early retirement of Town Clerk and Chief Executive

Friday 02nd May 2008

Derry City Council has today agreed to the early retirement of Town Clerk and Chief Executive, Mr Tony McGurk. An early retirement package of £153,000 was agreed in accordance with the Pension Regulations for Local Authorities and based on a report and recommendation from Council Officers. The recommendations considered changes in Pension Regulations which require Local Authorities to provide for “added years” pension provision payable in full before an employee leaves service. Council reached an agreement on three added years for Mr McGurk.

Speaking after today’s special Council meeting, Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson thanked Mr McGurk for this contribution to public service during his tenure with Derry City Council. “On behalf of staff and elected members we would like to thank Tony for his commitment to the organisation and wish him best wishes for his retirement”.

Mr. McGurk said his decision came following the recent announcement on the Review of Public Administration and the postponement of the formation of North West Council until 2011.

“I feel it is an appropriate time for me to retire and to pass on the reins to someone else to oversee the completion of this transition,” he commented.

Mr. McGurk, who has worked in the public service for almost 40 years, has been with Derry City Council for 16 years, 11 years as the City Engineer before being appointed the Town Clerk and Chief Executive in 2003.

“The last 16 years have been an interesting and stimulating period that has seen many positive changes and brought many challenges. I would like to publicly thank all of the Mayors, elected members, staff, and trade unions I have worked with over the years, for their commitment and hard work. I would also like to acknowledge the support and co-operation of all the stakeholders in the city in helping Council to deliver quality public services for the people of this city and region.”

Mr. McGurk, looking back on his career with Derry City Council said he was privileged to be involved in a wide range of programmes and projects and investing heavily in providing quality public services. “As Town Clerk and Chief Executive I was involved in all aspects of civic leadership and working in partnership with all stakeholders in the city to enhancing the economic, social and cultural life of the city and working to develop tourism and infrastructural improvements, including major investment and securing funding for the City of Derry airport, as well as improved communications network.”

Mr. McGurk has overseen the introduction of new committee structures at Council and the establishment of the Strategic Review Group, a forum which provides an opportunity for elected members and senior officers to discuss and prioritise strategic issues. He was also instrumental in the work of the Civic Regeneration Forum, a unique forum for invited key stakeholders, MLAs and MPs, to come together in setting a progressive and challenging agenda for the city. Mr. McGurk was a member of a working group involved in the Review of Public Administration and played a prominent role with SOLACE. Mr. McGurk played an active part in lobbying central government for investment in infrastructure and working closely on a cross border basis to promote the city and region as a good place to live and do business.

Mr. McGurk said he was confident that his successor would continue to build on the achievements of the Council.

“I have every confidence in the ability of Council’s professional management team and its committed workforce to meet the future challenges of the existing and evolving structures for local government and to deliver on the vision for the city and region.”

Mr. McGurk added that he was looking forward to enjoying his retirement pursuing his hobbies and spending more time with his wife and family.

Ends

Notes to Editor

Early Retirement Package:

At the Council meeting today Friday May 02nd members agreed an early retirement package of £153,000 in accordance with the Pension Regulations for Local Authorities based on a report and recommendation from Council Officers. The early retirement package agreed includes the award of added pension of three years service based on an agreed formulae. Changes in the pension regulations from April 2007 requires the “added years” portion of a pension allowance to be paid in full before an employee leaves service. Previously these payments would have been made on an an annual basis. This change in regulations has increased the early retirement cost provision for all Local Authority employers.

Biography:

Anthony McGurk is originally from Gulladuff on the outskirts of Maghera, Co. Derry. He was educated at St. Columb’s College, Derry, and Queen’s University Belfast where he qualified as a Civil Engineer. He worked for the Road Service for a number of years before joining Council and being appointed City Engineer in 1992 before being appointed Town Clerk and Chief Executive in 2003.

A well known sportsman, the name of Tony McGurk was synomonous with Gaelic football in the 1970’s when he became the first Derry All-Star and the first player to get All-Star positions as a forward and defender. Tony has lived and worked in the city for the past 30 years and is married with five grown up children. He continues to have a keen interest in various sports including Gaelic, soccer and golf.

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