Presentation to politician for 45 years’ service

Presentation to politician for 45 years’ service

13 June 2018

TRIBUTES have been paid to Newry, Mourne and Down SDLP councillor Dermot Curran who has clocked up 45 years of service in local government.

The Ardglass man — who has aways put the needs of people across the district first — was recognised at last week’s meeting of the local council when his colleagues from across the debating chamber paid tribute to him and gave him a generous round of applause.

A formal ceremony to mark Cllr Curran’s landmark achievement is being organised for later in the year, but he did receive one present at last week’s meeting — an engraved tankard presented on behalf of DUP members by Rowallane councillor Billy Walker.

Elected in 1973 to the former Down Council following the reorganisation of local government, Cllr Curran was elected the district’s first citizen on two occasions and has held every senior position on a raft of statutory committees. He has fought 11 council elections and is Northern Ireland’s longest serving district councillor.

Cllr Curran’s public service was formally recognised after across-the-board political support for a motion highlighting his service tabled by his SDLP colleague Terry Andrews.

Cllr Andrews said the veteran politician had witnessed many changes over four decades, fought various campaigns and was a man dedicated to public service.

He said dedicated young achiever awards were named after the Ardglass politician who had the interests of the business community and fishing industry very much at heart.

“With his wealth of experience, Dermot continues to champion for investment in the area to upgrade our roads and other infrastructure and secure new jobs. He is keen to see new business coming to the district and during his many years of public service has shown dedication to his constituents.

“He is an ambassador for the council, always selling what we have to offer to others on his travels at home or abroad. Dermot plays a key role on the Northern Ireland Local Government Association and will soon be appointed the group’s next president.”

Cllr Andrews said it was privilege to call Cllr Curran a personal friend, describing him as a wise advisor and sounding board. He said his achievement in reaching 45 years in local government was a “significant milestone”.

He added: “Dermot was encouraged to enter politics by the late Eddie McGrady and has always adopted a cross-community approach to his politics. He has now entered the record books as Northern Ireland’s longest serving councillor and he deserves to be congratulated on this milestone”.

Cllr Robert Burgess thanked Cllr Curran for his dedicated service to local government and said he was a man always willing to help others, adding: “Dermot was a man who never got cross and is an absolute gentleman. I value the help and support he has given me and know many others feel the same.”

Cllr Walker described the Ardglass man as a “great champion” for the district, industry and employment. He said he was a politician who represented everyone and that all the council’s DUP members had nothing but the highest respect for him.

“I hope Dermot will stay and celebrate 50 years in local government and continue serving the people of not only his electoral area in Downpatrick, but the wider district,” he added.

Councillor Willie Clarke paid tribute to Cllr Curran’s wife, Karen, and the Curran family for their unswerving support.

“Dermot has made a massive contribution to this community and this council. He is a strong advocate for promoting local business, tourism and fishing and is also Mr NILGA. He has a great knowledge of the local community is highly respected by all political groupings and the community in general,” he continued.

“What marks Dermot out is that under the review of public administration there was an opportunity for him to retire and receive a sizeable amount of money, but he chose not to do this and remained within local government which is testament to the man he is.”

On behalf of Alliance and Independent councillors, Cllr Patrick Brown described 45 years in local government as an “incredible achievement” which he said was testament to Cllr Curran’s character.

Cllr Brown added: “I have always found Dermot to be a real gentleman, a hard-working councillor and very canny businessman. I hope he is here in five years’ time to set an unbreakable record.”

The local authority’s new SDLP chairman, Mark Murnin, thanked Cllr Curran for his advice, guidance and support while the organisation’s chief executive, Liam Hannaway, said he valued the Ardglass politician as a colleague and friend and someone who could provide sage advice given his position as an elder statesman within local politics.

In response, a clearly emotional Cllr Curran thanked his colleagues for their kind words and said what he had heard was “humbling”, explaining that public service had been a major part of his life.

“During those 45 years I have worked with all political parties for the benefit of the people of the council and this district and I will continue to do that,” he continued.

“I have learnt a lot over the past four decades and more and want to thank the officers of the current council and the legacy Down Council for their help and support. Thanks are also due to the local press for helping me get my message out there.”

Predicting that exciting and challenging times lay ahead for Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Cllr Curran said it had been his pleasure to work for the people of the district, adding: “I look forward to contributing to the future of this council and encourage others to do the same.”