Councillor Aidan Campbell elected as new Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council

Councillor Aidan Campbell has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council at the annual general meeting held in Co. Monaghan on 15 June 2026. The long‑standing public representative, who first entered council in 2009, will take over from Councillor P Joe Handan after a year in the role.

Campbell represents the Carrickmacross–Castleblayney Municipal District and was elected to the council in 2009. He has been active in supporting local development, community initiatives and the delivery of key services across the county. At the AGM he said he felt “honoured and privileged” to assume the position and outlined a set of priorities for the coming year.

His agenda focuses on housing and infrastructure, economic growth and enterprise, community, culture and amenities, and town and village regeneration. He will serve as the first citizen of Monaghan while working with Leas‑Cathaoirleach Councillor Noel Keelan, who was elected to that role at the same meeting.

During the session tributes were paid to former County Councillor John Keenan, who had passed away in March. Campbell remembered Keenan’s dedication and his role as Chairman of the National Vintage Organisation, noting that he had been a respected member of Fine Gael.

The election follows recent discussions about multi‑million euro housing and infrastructure investment for Cavan and Monaghan, as well as appeals against a rejected housing development in Monaghan, which have highlighted the importance of strong local leadership.

For more information see NorthernSound and Irish Independent coverage.

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