With an internal reshuffle following the resignation of former DUP MLA Simon Hamilton and Harry Harvey, a Newry Mourne and Down District Council councillor, stepping into his shoes, the DUP have brought local woman Kathryn Owen into their ranks in Council.
Kathryn said she was delighted to become a councillor and added: “I was formally appointed today (14 Oct 2019) and I am looking forward to working with the DUP and other councillors for the people across the district and in Rowallene in particular.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be co-opted onto Newry Mourne and Down council by the DUP for the Rowallane DEA. I have lived in Rowallane for over thirty years, although my family have lived here for over seventy years. I will be walking in the footsteps of my late grandfather Cllr William Biggerstaff who at his peak was a former Down District Council chairman.
“My background has involved time spent in the Royal Airforce as a medic, but more recently as a mature student, I have completed a B.Sc degree at Queen’s University, Belfast, and I am now studying for a part-time Ph.D in Cardiovascular Medicine in collaboration with Ulster University and the Southern Health Trust.
“The role of councillor brings great responsibility and one that I will endeavour to fulfil. I plan to open two satellite surgeries – one in Saintfield and another in Crossgar, and over the coming months, I look forward to getting out onto the doorsteps and meeting the residents and will do all that I can to help them with their issues.
“I have been warmly welcomed by Cllr William Walker as the DUP group leader on council and by Mournes Councillor Glyn Hanna and I am looking forward to complementing the excellent work they already do.
“I believe having a strong team produces exceptional results. I wish to be a strong voice for the people of Rowallane.”
