Sinn Féin to run three candidates in Downpatrick District Electoral Area
Sinn Féin’s South Down Comhairle Cheantair will select 14 local candidates to contest May’s Council Election and will run three candidates in the Downpatrick area.
The party‘s South Down MP Chris Hazzard described this as an “important opportunity for progressive candidates to transform Council in the interests of local communities”.
Sinn Féin will be standing 24 candidates in total across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMD) area “illustrative of the historic electoral success the party has achieved in recent years in South Down, Newry, and South Armagh.”
Sitting councillors Mickey Ruane, Gerry O’Hare, Leeanne McEvoy, Willie Clarke, Róisín Howell and Oonagh Hanlon are seeking re-election with Cllr. Jim Brennan and Cllr. Michael Rice.
Joining them as Sinn Féin’s new candidates will be newcomers Philip Campbell (Downpatrick), Louise Rooney (Downpatrick).
Also running are Selina Murphy (Crotlieve), Kate Murphy (Crotlieve), Siobhan O’Hare (Slieve Croob), with a candidate for Rowallane to be agreed in partnership with the party’s Strangford structures in the coming days.
Speaking following the selection of candidates, Chris Hazzard MP said: “Despite huge challenges in recent years managing the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic at a local level, Sinn Féin’s council team has delivered for the people of Newry Mourne and Down.
“In the weeks ahead we will be going to the people with that record of delivery and a commitment to continue to improve the lives of the communities we represent.”
One of the party’s new candidates in Downpatrick, Philip Campbell said: “I’m delighted to have been selected as a Sinn Féin candidate to represent the people of Downpatrick.
“For many years now Sinn Féin have worked hard on the ground to deliver much needed investment for our local communities.
“I am proud to be part of a team that prioritises people and works tirelessly to make Newry, Mourne and Down an even better place to live.
“We want to build a better future for the people here and for people in all our communities right across the district, and we will work constructively and positively with other parties in Council to achieve that.
“Our First Minister Designate, Michelle O’Neill, has also been working very hard, to get an Executive formed and work together with the other parties to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, to find solutions to fix the health system, to build homes, and create good quality jobs.
“That is what people want and that is what people deserve.
“Sinn Féin will continue to deliver and stand up for the citizens of Newry Mourne and Down.”
