New MLAs climb the Stormont hill

New MLAs climb the Stormont hill

25 April 2012 - by David Telford

SOUTH Down’s two newest Assembly members are settling in at Stormont.

Sean Rogers has replaced the SDLP’s Margaret Ritchie, while Chris Hazzard has joined Sinn Fein’s Assembly team, replacing Willie Clarke.

This week, Mr. Rogers, who is 59, and Mr. Hazzard, who at 27 is Stormont’s youngest MLA, have spelt out their hopes and aspirations and outlined what they see are the key issues moving forward in interviews with the Recorder’s David Telford.

SEAN Rogers believes he can bring a “new dimension” to the Assembly.

The SDLP man said he’s “proud and privileged” to follow in the footsteps of Eddie McGrady, Eamonn O’Neill, Margaret Ritchie and P. J. Bradley and is relishing the challenge ahead.

The former principal of St. Louis’ Grammar School in Kilkeel has been involved in education for 30 years.

Very much a family and community man, Mr. Rogers said he has a “wealth of experience” that will stand him in good stead at the Assembly where he delivered his maiden speech on Monday during a debate on pre-school education.

Mr. Rogers said the SDLP has been at the heart of peace and reconciliation and that he has always worked for and with people right across the community.

“There are still tensions out there, but we are well on the road to peace. To me, peace is not merely an absence of tension or conflict; it’s a presence of justice and we have still a bit of work to do on that.

“Politics is now all about delivery. People are not afraid to ask questions and challenge politicians and that’s good thing. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do. For me, it’s about being positive and making your case as strong as you can.”

The MLA selected to replace Margaret Ritchie said he’s really keen to get on with things, suggesting the key issues which matter to people include the economy, jobs, investment, tourism and health.

“Times are tough for many people and I am very passionate about job creation given the exodus of our young people in search of work and a new life in other parts of the world, in particular, Australia,” continued Mr. Rogers.

“The hard times many people are currently experiencing hit the Mournes area first as many people there depended on the fishing, farming and construction industries for work.”

The new MLA is keen to see a full range of services delivered at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick and praised the key lifesaving role it plays at the heart of the rural community. He also highlighted the increasing need to look after the constituency’s growing elderly population, ensuring the facilities and services senior citizens in particular require are readily available.

Having won a battle with prostate cancer nine years ago, Mr. Rogers is especially keen for men across South Down to look after their health and not hesitate going to see their GP if they have any concerns.

“I want to see people living healthier lives. I got great treatment during my illness and am now in full health, but got good support from my family. Prayer also helped me,” said Mr. Rogers.

“Women are much better at looking after themselves than men, that’s why I would appeal to males to seek help if they have any concerns about their health.”

It’s not surprising Mr. Rogers is passionate about education and highlighted the importance of educating young people during their early, formative years.

“Children aged between 0 and four have such a hunger for learning and we need to provide for them at this crucially important stage in their development. If you give a child an interest and love of numeracy or literacy at an early age, that will stand them in really good stead in the years ahead, helping equip them with the right skills set for entry into the world of work,” he continued.

Mr. Rogers said South Down boasts “massive tourism potential” which can help create new jobs and boost the economy, suggesting there are opportunities to be exploited in the lucrative agri-food industry.

“The Mash Direct business based in Comber has been a major success and shows what can be done. Why not look to market Mourne lamb and other products produced locally? We should also look at expanding locally produced fish products for export across the globe.”

With increasing emphasis on green energy and plans for a wind farm off the South Down coast, Mr. Rogers believes the proposal offers a key opportunity for the constituency, “provided it’s developed in a sensitive way.”

He said the plan must not impact on local fishing grounds with companies behind the investment ploughing some of the profits they generate back into local communities and to help enhance the ports of Ardglass and Kilkeel. The MLA said a wind farm could also provide an opportunity of people currently involved in fishing to diversify and help service the turbines.

SINN Fein’s new South Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard believes he will bring a “fresh approach” to Stormont and plans to work for the good of people across the constituency.

Stormont’s youngest MLA said since being nominated to replace party colleague Willie Clarke, he’s been surprised at the number of young people who have approached him.

Mr. Hazzard believes he is someone young people can relate to and highlighted the importance of them getting actively involved and engaging in their respective communities.

He has been working behind the scenes for Sinn Fein since his early teens and is currently finishing a PhD in Political Philosophy and International Relations.

During his studies the new MLA carried out a lot of research and won a major award for being the top post-graduate student at Queen’s University’s politics department. His Masters thesis was on the Evolution of Irish Nationalism for which he received a distinction and believes his academic background will be of great benefit at the Assembly.

Mr. Hazzard said the key issues fall under the economy umbrella with the main focus on jobs and prosperity. He said a recent piece of research on South Down revealed it has the highest number of young people and the highest number of young people leaving school with two A-levels or more.

“South Down is the best educated constituency in the North and I believe Invest NI and the Tourist Board should be investing more money in the constituency,” he continued.

“We have a young, well educated and well skilled populous which has a key role to play. With more support and help from government agencies we can focus on jobs and prosperity. This constituency has what potential investors are looking for and that’s vital, as is upgrading our roads network.”

Mr. Hazzard said tourism and green energy are two key industries which can benefit South Down, with the former having the potential to make a positive impact.

The new MLA said renewable energy companies will be looking for research and development skills locally and believes South Down can meet their requirements as the people they require are available.

He continued: “We need to retain our young people in South Down. Too many are leaving Ireland to find work and I want that to change, securing jobs for them here so the only time they leave is to go on holiday.

“We need to create sustainable jobs and build our own economy. It’s vital we engage with people in terms of new investment opportunities that come forward and take them with us.”

Mr. Hazzard said he plans to be on the ground as much as possible, working closely with fellow MLA Caitriona Ruane and very good administration support and local councillor team behind them.

“Sinn Fein is continuing to grow. I understand the legislative process at Stormont and how its committees can help people campaigning on local issues. That’s important and Sinn Fein in South Down will have continuity from ground level right through to Stormont.

“It’s not a coincidence that our party is growing locally and nationally because we are on the ground. I want to go into people’s homes and ask them how I can help make their lives better on a daily basis.”

Mr. Hazzard plans to focus attention on Downpatrick, suggesting more needs to be done to ensure it lives up its county town status. He said there’s a need to invest in the town’s infrastructure, look to address traffic congestion and encourage investment.

He also wants public transport links and job opportunities in rural areas improved and believes all of South Down could be considered a so-called enterprise zone.

“We have the best educated constituency and with the right focus, determination and hard work, we could make South Down an enterprise zone and do more to highlight and promote our culture and heritage.

“For example, why not link Ballynahinch and Saintfield with Wexford to tell the story of the United Irishmen and the 1798 rebellion? I believe such a link offers massive potential.”

Mr. Hazzard, who took his seat in the Assembly for the first time last week and who is looking forward to the months ahead, said he sensed a different atmosphere in the chamber, suggesting this is good moving forward with politicians coming together for the good of the people.