New MLA signs in for the SDLP in South Down

New MLA signs in for the SDLP in South Down

11 April 2012

SOUTH Down’s newest MLA, Seán Rogers, has formally taken office in a short signing-in ceremony at Stormont.

Mr. Rogers, who takes over from South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, signed the members’ register on Monday in the presence of Speaker William Hay, Director of Clerking John Stewart, SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell, Ms. Ritchie and South Down Assembly colleague Karen McKevitt.

Speaking as she handed over the reins, Ms. Ritchie said: “I very much welcome Seán’s appointment to my seat and, as MP, I look forward to working with him as part of our constituency team.

“We have a broad range of issues — infrastructure, social justice and industry among many others — which we will be pulling together on for the people of South Down, and Seán’s contribution will be highly valued.”

Mr. Rogers said he was looking forward immensely to putting the case for South Down to the Assembly, particularly at this time of austerity.

“I would like to pay fulsome and wholehearted tribute to Margaret for all the work she has done at Stormont and I know that she will continue to make the same sterling contribution at Westminster.

“I look forward to continuing working with Margaret, as well as my constituency colleague in the Assembly Karen McKevitt and all our councillors in Banbridge, Down District and Newry and Mourne councils.

“It is my fervent hope that I can be a positive addition to the SDLP’s Assembly team and secure the best deal for all the people of South Down.”