MLA’s wife is selected by DUP for council election

MLA’s wife is selected by DUP for council election

22 March 2023

THE DUP has selected the wife of Strangford MLA Harry Harvey to contest one of the five Newry, Mourne and Down Council seats up for grabs in the Downpatrick area when voters go to the polls in next month’s local government election.

Mrs Sharon Harvey will be out to improve on the party’s showing in the 2019 election when the then candidate James Savage secured just nine 149 first preference votes.

Mrs Harvey’s appointment was confirmed on Monday and comes as speculation intensifies that the UUP is also planning to field a candidate in the Downpatrick area.

South Down DUP MLA Diane Forsythe said she is delighted Mrs Harvey will contest the election, describing the party’s candidate as an “incredibly dedicated, hardworking and enthusiastic representative”.

Mrs Forsythe continued: “Sharon’s commitment to making this area a better place to live, work and raise our families is rooted in her strong Christian faith and I fully support Sharon in this election.  

“We have worked together on many issues affecting Downpatrick and surrounding rural areas and she is an incredible advocate for the local people.”

Mrs Forsythe added: “Sharon’s husband represents the neighbouring Strangford area and these close working links have been invaluable and we hope to build on them further as we work together to deliver for the people of South Down and Strangford and play our part in the DUP delivery of a better Northern Ireland.”