Council search for a new chief

However, the search got off to a stuttering start with website problems causing confusion.

Advertisements for the 90,000-a-year-job went into the national press last Thursday, however, hopeful applicants were not able to get their hands on an application form until the middle of Friday morning.

The council blamed technical difficulties and said the application pack would be available on the website until the August 27 closing date.

Council is looking for a 'transformational leader' who will need to be 'charismatic and credible' according to the advertisements.

The information pack said final interviews will take place at the end of September and the successful candidate will head up the organisation's work force of 550 people with an expenditure of around 35million.

The application pack also states that the council will advertise for a new leisure services director soon.

In a welcoming letter, Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: "This is an interesting and challenging time to join us.

"We are seeking a creative and innovative leader who can really put their mark on the Craigavon borough and the way the council functions and operates."

Speculation is already rife among council workers as to who will take the position.

It's thought current interim chief executive, Michael Docherty, will not apply.

His appointment as an interim has caused controversy among councillors and residents. Earlier this year the 'MAIL' revealed through a Freedom of information request that he worked 180 days in the last financial year costing the ratepayer 128,727.

Previous incumbent, Francis Rock, criticised council for not supporting him after he received a death threat.

One year after he received a bullet in the post he accused councillors of not supporting him.

Mr Rock had been off with stress as a result of the threat.

When he announced he was fit to return the council immediately suspended him on full pay. A severance package, thought to be in five figures was later agreed with Mr Rock.

Scotsman Docherty was appointed to oversee the council's transition into a larger authority with Armagh and Banbridge councils.

However, when that scheme failed to get the go-ahead from the Assembly the council was forced to look for a permanent chief executive.

The new executive will have a job on his hands. A damning report said there were a number of 'horrendous HR issues' within the council ranks.

The Heaton Report said there was an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among managers and workers and made a number of recommendations.