Speaking to the paper yesterday, the current council chairman and Sinn Fein party colleague Gerard Foley said that it was agreed between Councillor Barr and the Sinn Fein grouping that he would take up the position of chairman for the fourth time in his political career.

Councillor. Foley said: “Today the Councillors and staff of Strabane District Council mourn the loss of one of our most respected councillors.

“For 23 years we have benefited from Ivan’s wisdom and common sense in the chamber.

Colr. Foley said that Colr. Barr had expressed his wish to become Council Chairman again and the party had fully supported him.

“Ivan had told us that he was interested during party discussions about who would take up Sinn Fein’s seat as Chairman. He discussed it with his family and we all agreed that he should take up the role at the end of the month.”

Colr. Barr had been Chairman on three previous occasions from 1988 – 89; 1998 – 1999 and between 2001 and 2002.

The veteran republican died last Friday night, aged 70. He was laid to rest in Strabane yesterday. An estimated 2,000 people attended his funeral at St Mary’s Church, Melmount.

(See funeral coverage and tributes on P20 of our city edition)