Castlewellan woman Roisin Howell (39) has been selected by Sinn Féin to replace Stephen Burns on Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
Roisin has been a party member for ten years and for the past four years took on the role of chairperson of the Newcastle Comhaltas branch as she has a passion for Irish music.
Commenting after being selected Roisin Howell said: “It is an honour for me to be selected to replace Stephen as a Sinn Féin councillor for the Slieve Croob DEA on the Newry Mourne and Down Council.
“I am in no doubt about the challenge ahead and I will build on the solid foundations that have been laid down by Stephen who has served the people of Newry Mourne and Down so well.
“This is a brilliant time to be a Republican representative and I will do my best to represent all in the community.
“As part of a strong Sinn Féin team I will work for everyone, I continue to fight for increased opportunities for everyone. I will be a voice for the people of Slieve Croob working for improved community services for both young and old people.
“The days of second class citizenship are gone and equality, respect and integrity are our road map towards a new inclusive and reconciled Ireland.”
Roisin attended Primary and Secondary School at St Malachy’s PS and High School in Castlewellan. She is married with five children, Naimh, Ruairi, Enya, Tara and Lorcan.
Now specialising in ASD support and currently working in the learning support centre in St Malachy’s Primary School, Castlewellan, Roisin has spent twenty years as a classroon assistant.
Roisin’s other interests are reading, history and walking, and she will certainly have a busy spell in front of herself in her new role as a Slieve Croob Councillor.
Councillor Burns has stood down because of business commitments and he wishes Roisin every success and best wishes in her new post.
