This will be the first time in my adult life I will not be involved in local government

This will be the first time in my adult life I will not be involved in local government

10 September 2025

DOWNPATRICK councillor Gareth Sharvin has quit local politics.

After almost 14 years, the SDLP man has described his decision to step down as “one of the most difficult he has ever taken”.

He will be replaced by Aurla King, who missed out on securing a seat at the last council elections in 2023.

Cllr Sharvin, who has left the political stage due to work commitments, said it has been his honour to serve the people of Downpatrick and Lecale for nearly 14 years.

He said he enjoyed his time as a councillor and seeing the impact the role has locally and supporting people.

Co-opted to replace the late Peter Craig, Cllr Sharvin topped the poll in the Downpatrick area during several elections, but said the time had come to bow out.

“In my professional career, I have accepted a role in a local housing association and will be transitioning into the position, but will still be heavily involved in my local community through Down GAA, my local club Saul, volunteering at the Parkrun and continuing my passion in promoting local sports through photography,” he said.

Cllr Sharvin has thanked everyone who entrusted him to support and help them when needed and for electing him to serve the local area.

He said that from supporting groups in securing funding, to getting the streets cleaned, building football pitches and delivering on individual issues, his time in politics has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life. 

“This will be the first time in my adult life that I will not be involved in local government and that will take some time to adjust,” he reflected.

“When I think back to my first election in 2011, it was all down to the late Eddie McGrady encouraging me to stand, with the support of Margaret Ritchie, and my fellow candidates Colin McGrath, Dermot Curran and the late gentlemen, Peter Craig and John Doris. 

“Following the sad passing of Peter, I was co-opted onto Down Council in 2012 with big shoes to fill and would go on to be re-elected three times in 2015, 2019 and 2023.”

A former deputy council chairman in 2013 and 2023, Cllr Sharvin chaired a number of influential council committees and working groups including Planning, Active and Healthy Communities, Strategy, Policy and Resources and the Downpatrick DEA Forum.

“I reflect on some of my biggest achievements such as the delivery of the new football pitch at The Meadow in Ardglass, a walking trail in Strangford, upgraded play parks in Saul, Killough and now Bishopscourt, and the new urban skatepark and community trail around Dunleath Park,” he said.

Cllr Sharvin, who was the SDLP’s former group leader at council level, thanked his colleagues for their support.

“I want to acknowledge those that have sadly gone before us, who supported me throughout my time, Peter Craig, John Doris, Eddie McGrady, Patsy Toman, Michael Carr, Geraldine Donnelly, Brian Quinn, Dick Cull and Freda Sharvin,” he continued.

“I want to say a massive thank you to my family, friends and many helpers throughout the 14 years for their commitment, support and words of encouragement at all times. I will be keeping a keen eye to make sure that the council keeping investing into the Downpatrick and Lecale area.”

Cllr Sharvin extended best wishes to his successor, who, he said, will “bring her passion for improving the health and wellbeing of families across the area to the forefront.”

SDLP leader Claire Hanna and South Down MLA Colin McGrath have paid tribute to Cllr Sharvin for his dedicated service to the people of Downpatrick and the SDLP. 

Mrs Hanna said Cllr Sharvin has been a “first-class servant” for local people.

“I know that he will continue to be an activist and asset in the community and Gareth will certainly be missed, but I’m excited that Aurla King will be joining the SDLP team in Newry, Mourne and Down,” she said.

“Aurla is a woman who has a record of getting things done and I have no doubt she will build on that work in her role as an SDLP councillor.”

Mr McGrath, who worked closely with Cllr Sharvin throughout his time on council, said he knew how much serving the people of Downpatrick had meant to him. 

“I look forward to welcoming Aurla to the team. She is already well-known across this area through her work in education and her involvement in local sports and community groups, which will stand her in good stead as a councillor,” he added.