The Downpatrick District Electoral Area is certainly one of the most contested in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council Area with a total of ten candidates and the UUP are running Alexander Burgess, son of Cllr Robert Burgess from Rowallane.
Speaking as Chairman of South Down Ulster Unionist Association, Harold McKee said: “I am delighted to see Alexander Burgess put his name forward to contest the Downpatrick DEA in the upcoming Council Elections.
“We have a great team of candidates, and I am proud to say that the Ulster Unionist Party is the only Unionist Party running a candidate in every DEA of the Newry Mourne and Down District, offering voters both youthful and experienced representatives who are passionate about their local area and the Union.
“The collapse of the NI Assembly and ongoing inability to get Stormont up and running again has left the Northern Ireland electorate without a working Executive. The devastating impact of this is felt on a daily basis across our community, in our health service, schools, infrastructure and of course, as discussions are held and decisions made regarding Brexit.
“This hiatus at Stormont means that the local government elections provide the opportunity for people to elect their representatives to the only currently functioning form of government in NI.
“I am confident that, at a local level, our Ulster Unionist representatives will work together for the greater good of the local area. I wish Alexander every best wish for his campaign, and with his experience of actively working in his local area, I have no doubt he is a very capable candidate who will work extremely hard for the people of Downpatrick.”
“I am keen to see more young people getting involved in local politics. We are the future and it is important to have our say in how our district develops.”
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Alexander Burgess said: “I am delighted to have been selected for the Downpatrick DEA by the Ulster Unionist Party. I hope to follow my father Robert into local government.
“My key priorities are – best value for your rates, supporting local businesses farming and fishing industries and sustainable job opportunities, promote health and wellbeing for all, improving our local amenities, rural infrastructure and transport links, striving for up to date educational system for all our children.
“As the son of a farmer I am fully aware of the changes facing agriculture and how vital it is to our economy. As a large rural area we need to work to help those in farming, fishing and rural communities .
“The upgrade of the A7 is vital for boosting the local economy, but the town centre congestion needs to be modernised and upgraded.
“We have a wealth of history with the St Patrick’s link and the Lecale area which need much more promotion to help boost our tourism product and encourage many more visitors to the East Down Coast.
“Health is a priority and we need to continue to secure more services in the Downe Hospital as it is vital in the rural East Down Coast area.
“I hope the electorate will place its faith in me and I appeal to all voters who may have previously stayed at home to come out and exercise their democratic right.
“The Downpatrick DEA has not had a Ulster Unionist reprehensive for some time and I intend to change that as I represent a new dynamic breed in Ulster Unionism.”
