Lewis selected as UUP candidate

Lewis selected as UUP candidate

16 January 2019

THE Ulster Unionist Party has chosen Alan Lewis as its Slieve Croob candidate for the Slieve Croob area in the forthcoming local government election.

The selection of Mr Lewis — a former UKIP representative — was widely expected and he is hoping to be the first Ulster Unionist councillor elected in Slieve Croob since Newry, Mourne and Down Council was formed five years ago.

From the Clough area, Mr Lewis — who is married with two children — is a victims’ advocate, working within the victims and survivors sector on behalf of innocent victims of the troubles.

He was also recently been appointed as an Education Authority representative on Cumran Primary School’s Board of Governors.

Delighted to have been selected to contest one of the five seats up for grabs in Slieve Croob, Mr Lewis said he was confident his party has produced a strong local manifesto, along with key priorities. 

“The election campaign gives me an opportunity to directly engage and seek a mandate for a new council term,” he continued. “Therefore I am asking people to support me so that I can continue to work toward improving our area.

“Local politics should be about making an impact, not making an income. I have proven that I am committed to working at grassroots level, directly engaging with community-based organisations to facilitate community improvement and local development.”

Mr Lewis said that with the Stormont stalemate continuing, there was an increased responsibility on local councils to ensure that they were “accountable and accessible.” 

He added: “Councillors must be prepared to carry increased responsibility, scrutinising local government services while developing initiatives which will unburden the district’s business community, working together to benefit all within our district.

“My goal is to work as part of a strong Ulster Unionist team to improve the lives of those not only in my district electoral area, but across our district.”

UUP leader Robin Swann congratulated Mr Lewis on his selection and said he looked forward to supporting his campaign in the coming months.

He added: “Alan has given superb service to the Slieve Croob area and I am confident that after May’s election he will be part of a strong Ulster Unionist team on Newry Mourne and Down Council.”