SDLP unveils council replacement

SDLP unveils council replacement

6 November 2013

A CASTLEWELLAN woman whose interest in politics was encouraged by the town’s veteran SDLP councillor is hoping to replace him on Down Council.

Councillor Eamonn O’Neill confirmed last month that he is quitting front line politics next month and Laura Devlin announced this week that she hopes to secure the SDLP’s nomination to replace him.

The local party activist, who currently works as a constituency manager for South Down MLA Sean Rogers, hopes to secure support to be co-opted to Down Council before the end of the year.

Laura has signalled her intention to replace councillor O’Neill with senior officials at the party’s Belfast headquarters and hopes to secure the support of local SDLP members at a forthcoming selection convention.

She continued: “Eamonn was my first employer and the one person who developed and encouraged my initial interest in politics.

“He is a true community man at heart, someone who has assisted thousands of people throughout his time in the various offices he held, whether at Down Council or Stormont level. To be considered to replace him is an honour and I look forward to the selection convention.”

Laura has been a party member for over 14 years, starting her career working for Mr. O’Neill at his office in Castlewellan.

Laura then moved to work for current South Down MP Margaret Ritchie in Downpatrick before moving to work for Mr. Rogers in her current role.

“I am heavily involved in constituency work and this is what I do best,” she continued. “Whether it is a query regarding a planning application, a homeless case or someone who has an issue with their welfare benefits, I provide assistance and representation.”

Laura is the current vice-chairwoman of the Castlewellan and Kilcoo SDLP branch and has held a number of posts with the group over the past l4 years, including secretary and press officer.