Curran to step down after 50 years in politics

Curran to step down after 50 years in politics

1 March 2023

NORTHERN Ireland’s longest serving councillor is retiring from frontline politics after half a century.

Dermot Curran — who has represented the Downpatrick area since 1973  —  will not contest the local government elections in May after confirming this week that he is stepping away from the council on medical advice.

The decision marks the end of an era.

Elected to the former Down Council 50 years ago after the rationalisation of local government, Mr Curran was elected to Newry, Mourne and Down Council when it was created in 2014.

The SDLP man, who is hugely respected and admired right across the political spectrum, has given a lifetime of distinguished public service during which he successfully contested 12 council elections and served two terms as the district’s first citizen.

Mr Curran has also been president of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, the umbrella body for the province’s district councils, on two occasions.

He has held high positions on a number of bodies, is a champion of the Co Down fishing industry and is currently working to secure investment to upgrade the harbour in his beloved home village of Ardglass.

Mr Curran lobbied hard for jobs and investment in Downpatrick and the wider district and continually campaigned for road improvements and measures to tackle town centre traffic congestion.

He was also a visionary and during his first term as Down Council chairman, recognised the value of working with councils across Ireland to develop relationships and encourage co-operative projects.

In addition, he also spearheaded the Dermot Curran young achievers’ awards which helped spawn many new businesses which are continuing across the district, providing jobs and boosting the local economy.

During his 50 years of public service he has witnessed many changes, diligently working for people, representing all communities and working with all political parties. He is also highly regarded by his council colleagues.

Confirming on Monday that he would not be contesting what would have been his 13th election, Mr Curran said he was disappointed that he would not be on the election campaign trail but had to put his health first.

And while he won’t be on the ballot paper for the May election, he insists that between now and then it will be business as usual and he will continue to work hard for people in Downpatrick and wider Lecale and continue his role with the town’s regeneration working group.

“It was the late Eddie McGrady who got me involved in politics. He encouraged me to throw my hat in the ring for the 1973 election and I was successful in securing a seat,” he said.

“I am proud to have represented people for 50 years and am so grateful for the continued support I have received from across the community. It was support that was never taken for granted but was always greatly appreciated. I was proud to help people in any way I could and to make the district a better place for all.”

Mr Curran said while the decision not to put himself before the electorate was not taken lightly, it was one he had to make for himself and his family.

“I will miss the council but will be here to help my party in any way I can after the election. Between now and then I will continue to work for others. It is a real privilege to be able to help people and that is what local politics is all about, working to make a difference,” he continued.

Mr Curran said he is grateful for the unswerving support of his family throughout his political career which he managed alongside a full time job.

“I want to thank all those who supported me over the past 50 years and hope I have fulfilled the promises and pledges I made to help, to help make a difference,” he said.

“Politics has been my life and it will be sad to say goodbye to my council role, but I need to put myself first and that is what I fully intend to do.”

An old school politician, Mr Curran was a firm believer in meeting people on the doorstep during election campaigns. He did not rely on social media to get his message across but good old fashioned face-to-face chats with voters.

“I want to thank all those who have voted me over the years and it is also important that i recognise the support of wife Karen and my family. Their unswerving support has enabled me to help others and it has been a real privilege to do so,” he said.

Mr Curran won a Local Government Awards Best Initiative in 2009 and has also received the National Association of Councillors Long Service Award.

Among his many other responsibilities, he has held positions in the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, the South Eastern Health Local Commissioning Group, Down Rural Area Partnership, Peace IV Partnership, Partnership Panel for NI, ARC21, National Association of Councillors, FLAG Fisheries Fund and the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme.

He was also been a member of the Eastern Group Environmental Health since it was established and was its chairman in 1987 and 2010.