SDLP candidates selected for forthcoming elections

SDLP candidates selected for forthcoming elections

1 January 2019

THE SDLP has chosen a number of its candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

Party officials met recently to rubber-stamp their candidates in the Downpatrick, Rowallane, Slieve Croob and Mournes district electoral areas.

Candidates for the Newry,  Crotlieve and Slieve Gullion will be selected shortly as the party aims to increase its membership on Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

In Downpatrick, it is very much a case of as you were, with Northern Ireland’s longest serving district councillor — Dermot Curran — set to defend his seat alongside colleagues Gareth Sharvin and John Trainor, the latter of whom will be contesting his first election after being co-opted to replace now South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

In Slieve Croob, current Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin will be out to defend his seat, with Hugh Gallagher, from the party’s Castlewellan and Kilcoo branch, as his running mate.

There is also no change in the Mournes DEA where sitting councillors Laura Devlin and Brian Quinn are out to defend their seats.

While speculation had been mounting that the SDLP would run two candidates in Rowallane, the party has stuck with its trusty lieutenant, Terry Andrews, a high profile figure who consistently polls extremely well, securing cross-community support.

Cllr Andrews topped the poll in 2014 with 1,321 votes with the party hoping he will enjoy similar success when voters go to the polls this May.

His selection was confirmed at a meeting in Downpatrick several weeks ago, with the Crossgar man delighted to be given the opportunity of defending his seat.

“I know we say each election is incredibly important, but never has this been more true than it is for the local government elections this year,” he said.

“With Brexit looming ever closer, still no sign of the problem parties making a return to Stormont, and issues like universal credit in the forefront of people’s minds, the work of local government will be more important than ever.”

Cllr Andrews believes the May poll will set the tone for future elections, explaining the constituents of Rowallane and across South Down need to know that they have a team of elected SDLP representatives that they can put their trust in. 

He added: “I hope I’ve proved over the past eight years that I am fit for the task and look forward to continuing to serve Rowallane as an SDLP councillor.”

Former Castlewellan councillor Eamonn O’Neill, who chaired the recent selection convention, said he was delighted  to ratify Cllr Andrews’ nomination to contest the local government election in May. 

“Since being elected in 2011, Terry has worked closely on the ground with constituents of all backgrounds and continues to do so to this day,” he explained.

“His re-election in 2015 was proof of the grassroots activism Terry has been involved in and I have every confidence he will be returned in May to serve the people of Rowallane.”

Mr McGrath, who was also in attendance at the selection event, paid tribute to Cllr Andrews, adding: “I have no doubt Terry has made his mark in local government over the past eight years. He has worked tirelessly on the bread and butter issues of the day as he so candidly puts it.

“With the rolling out of universal credit in our constituency, Terry’s work will be more important than ever. I wish him every success and support as he contests this vital local government election.”