Darragh Cross’ Cleary contesting Rowallane

Darragh Cross’ Cleary contesting Rowallane

30 January 2019

SINN Fein has unveiled Marianne Cleary as its candidate in the Rowallane area ahead of this May’s local government elections.

Ms Cleary — a  Manchester Metropolitan University graduate from Darragh Cross — has been to the fore in recent years for the party in the wider Rowallane area and since returning home has proactively participated in various health campaigns focusing on cancer and meningitis research. 

As a young adult who had to overcome very serious health concerns and continually manages chronic pain, Marianne is passionate about healthcare issues and is determined to play her part in ensuring equal access to vital services for rural areas such as Rowallane.

Her selection has been welcomed by Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’Neill, who described the Rowallane candidate as an “articulate, dedicated young woman who is hungry to deliver strong and vibrant political leadership for all in Rowallane,t particularly those who feel marginalised and forgotten.

Ms O’Neill added: “I wish her all the best and know she will make a first class councillor in the years ahead.” 

Ahead of the election, Ms Cleary has highlighted a number of issues, including a new bus service connecting her home village with Saintfield and the removal of a metal frame adjacent to the market House in Ballynahinch which has lain undeveloped for a number of years.

In relation to the bus link, Ms Cleary said Translink is currently exploring the most effective way to launch a new service to connect Darragh Cross and Saintfield, thanking transport officials she met with recently for their help.

“I want to thank Translink for its constructive cooperation on this important issue. Residents in Darragh Cross have been eager to see such a service to Saintfield established for some time now as it helps connect the village to the main commuter routes from Downpatrick to Belfast,” the election candidate explained.

“The Translink schedule team has formulated a timetable and this is currently being route tested. Allowing for any amendments that might need to be made, it is anticipated that the route will be fully operational by Easter which will be a great advantage to residents in Darragh Cross who want to avail of a regular service to Saintfield and beyond.” 

Turning to the Ballynahinch issue, Ms Cleary said the metal frame had become an “eyesore,” explaining her party has previously called on Newry, Mourne and Down Council to take decisive action to regenerate the popular town centre location. 

She described the local authority’s commitment to act as a “long overdue signal that Ballynahinch is open for business.”

She continued: “For years, Ballynahinch town centre has had to endure the unsightly presence of a half-finished steel frame structure in the heart of the market square. It has been a real eyesore and symbolic of the challenging economic times our town centres have been struggling with in the district.

“With this in mind I have been working with my council colleagues over recent months to ensure that this particular blot on the Ballynahinch town landscape is removed for good so that we can continue to regenerate the town centre.”