McGrath is defeated in MLA battle

McGrath is defeated in MLA battle

12 July 2011

DOWNPATRICK councillor Colin McGrath has failed to succeed Margaret Ritchie as one of the SDLP’s two South Down Assembly members.

The 36 year-old lost out to retired Kilkeel school headmaster Sean Rodgers (58) at last Sunday’s selection convention held at the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle.

Councillor McGrath was defeated by 17 votes by the Newry and Mourne councillor, with some SDLP delegates in Down District disappointed the Downpatrick politician has not succeeded Miss Ritchie.

They are concerned that the party’s two MLAs — Karen McKevitt and Mr. Rodgers, are based in the southern end of the constituency, leaving those in Down District without direct access to a locally accessible Assembly member.

Miss Ritchie described the politicians who entered the race to succeed her at Stormont as “exemplary public representatives and community leaders,” suggesting the weekend selection convention had put on display the wealth of talent within the SDLP in South Down.

Congratulating Councillor Rodgers, Miss Ritchie said she has no doubt he will be a first class political representative.

She continued: “Councillor McGrath and myself and the party’s two MLAs, Karen McKevitt and Sean Rogers, will continue to ensure the best possible representation and delivery on the ground for our communities.

“I have no doubt that Colin will continue to be central to the SDLP in South Down and a future party MLA. This is a view shared by Colin’s MLA and council colleagues in South Down.”

The MP said she looks forward to working with the party’s MLAs and the SDLP team of councillors across South Down in bringing “real change and delivery on the ground” and improving the lives of constituents and communities.

Miss Ritchie added: “We have a very exciting job of work to do. As MP, I’m dedicated and ready to lead my colleagues in the exciting times ahead and in our campaign to regain a third seat at the next Assembly election.”

Mr. Rodgers, former principal of St. Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel, said he was “honoured” to have been selected to represent the people of South Down in the Assembly and paid tribute to Miss Ritchie.

“Margaret will continue to do an excellent job in standing up for our people, here and in Westminster,” he continued.

“I’m a bridge builder; I bring people with me and as an MLA I intend, with my Assembly colleague Karen McKevitt and SDLP councillors, to pursue the interests of people in every corner of our constituency.

“I will do everything in my power to help build a vibrant rural economy, to help tackle the problems facing farmers and fishermen in our communities and to create jobs for people here.”

Mr. Rodgers thanked people for their support and said he looks forward to taking the skills he gained through years of experience of working in and for the community to Stormont.