Ex-IRA Convict Becomes Mayor

In another sign that peace is taking root in the British province, a former Irish Republican Army guerrilla has been installed as mayor of a Northern Ireland city. Cathal Crumley, 41, once sentenced to nine life terms for attempted murder and conspiracy to murder, was elected, 21-8, by members of the Londonderry City Council after winning the backing of the main Roman Catholic party, the moderate Social Democratic and Labor Party. Supporters cheered Monday night as Crumley accepted the office from outgoing Mayor Pat Ramsey. Crumley is a member of the IRA-allied Sinn Fein party. He was convicted in 1984 on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder and other terrorist offenses. The convictions were overturned two years later.