DUP candidate for Slieve Croob, Maynard Hanna, from Kilkeel, has spoken of his honour at being selected by the DUP to replace outgoing DUP Councillor Garth Craig in the forthcoming local government elections in May.
Maynard said: “I am both honoured and humbled to have been chosen as the DUP candidate in Slieve Croob, replacing outgoing Cllr Garth Craig. I would pay tribute to Garth, who has represented the area with distinction and due diligence, and I wish him well in his retirement. I am grateful for Garth’s support and endorsement and also that of the existing DUP team on Newry, Mourne Mourne and Down District Council.
“South Down is in my blood. It is where I was born, reared and where I raised my own family. I am proud of the area and its people. For many years I was involved in community work and assisted folk from the Slieve Croob area in projects whose aim was to promote the history and much valued heritage of the area.
“I am married to Anne, a proud father of four adult children and grandfather of three young children. Also, I am a lifelong member of Mourne Presbyterian Church.
“I believe that the DUP has the strength to deliver, and I was honoured to have been involved in the DUP Westminster campaign in 2017, where Diane Forsythe, under the leadership of Arlene Foster, increased the DUP share of the vote.
“Proud to be British, I will, if elected, be a full-time Councillor and will fight on those issues of importance to the people of Slieve Croob.
“For many years I have been involved in community work, including heritage and cultural groups as well as supporting victims of terrorism in lobbying for resources and justice. My work took me to America on several occasions where I spoke at cultural festivals, to community groups and participated in University Seminars at both Harvard and Columbia Universities.
“As a former member of the RUC, I served in ‘H’ Division incorporating the Castlewellan, Dundrum, Ballykinlar and Seaforde areas. Prior to entering the RUC, I served in 3 UDR ‘B’ Company.
“I look forward to getting around the doors in the coming weeks and meeting people, discussing the issues of importance to them, their families and our future generations.”
