BOSTON -- The Boston City Council has its first female president in 30 years, the second woman ever to lead the body.

The council unanimously elected Councilwoman Maureen Feeney to the post Monday morning.

Former president Michael Flaherty had decided not to seek re-election.

Feeney said, "It is an honor and privilege to lead the Boston City Council."

The 58-year-old Feeney is now in a stronger position to influence decisions regarding police, elections and schools.

"In 2007, we must find creative and effective ways to stop the rising violence in many of our neighborhoods and to better serve our city's children with improvements to public education," said Feeney.

The Dorchester Democrat first won election to the council in 1993. She lost two races in the 1990s for the state Senate.

Among her accomplishments: the creation of a meals program at the Long Island Shelter.