SDLP announce trio to contest Downpatrick area in election

SDLP announce trio to contest Downpatrick area in election

15 March 2023

THE SDLP has unveiled the candidates who will defend the party’s three seats in the Downpatrick area when voters go the polls in the forthcoming council election.

With just over two months before the May 18 poll, the SDLP goes into the election with just one of its three incumbents out to defend his seat.

Dermot Curran, Northern Ireland’s longest serving politician, has decided to step down on medical grounds and will not be contesting what would have been his 13th council election, while Cllr John Trainor is also stepping down.

That leaves Gareth Sharvin as the only sitting SDLP councillor who is putting himself before the electorate. And he will be joined by Conor Galbraith, chairman of the party’s Lecale branch and Aurla King.

With Sinn Fein having already selected three candidates for the Downpatrick area, all eyes will be on the battle with the SDLP.

Sinn Fein currently holds one seat and while out to grab at least a second one, the SDLP remains quietly confident it can retain its current quota of three.

Cllr Sharvin — who has represented the Downpatrick DEA for over 11 years —said he was “thrilled” to have both Ms King and Mr Galbraith on the SDLP  ticket.

He said both will bring “great experience and skills to the role of a councillor and contribute greatly to the area”.

He continued: “I have a great passion for the community I live in and want to continue to work for the people of our area.”

Cllr Sharvin — who is the SDLP group leader on Newry, Mourne and Down Council — said during his time as a councillor he has worked on the delivery of new sports pitches, play parks, tourism initiatives, road improvements, revitalisation schemes and planning applications.

“I have also worked on the bread and butter issues like housing, benefits, passports and bin collection and am extremely proud of the SDLP’s record on delivering for the people of Downpatrick and wider Lecale area,” he continued.

“The party has been at the forefront in securing the new skate park and pump track at Dunleath Park, establishing the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, the historic Downpatrick workhouse project, the delivery of a revitalisation programme for Strangford and Killough and the protection of the fishing and fish process industry in Ardglass.

Mr Galbraith, who acknowledged the contribution of Cllr Trainor over the past seven years and wished him well for the future, said that having followed politics at regional and local levels, he had always been “vocal” on how things were done. 

“Not that many years ago, I decided to join the SDLP because it is the party that is most closely aligned with the values that drive me,” he explained.

“The opportunity has arrived and I feel now is the time for me to stand up for the people of Downpatrick. As their representative, I want to be there for them when they have a worry, concern or any issue.”

Mr Galbraith said he had a particular interest in adequate mental health support, a strong local infrastructure and building strong communities in areas that need extra help.

He added: “There is a lot of work to be done, but with Gareth and Aurla, we are more than fit for the task.”

Ms King, paid a glowing tribute to Cllr Curran, who, she said, had made an “indelible mark” on the community.

“I am proud to have been selected as an SDLP candidate and am excited to be part of an enthusiastic, dynamic team, committed to solving individual issues for local people,” she continued.

“That team will also work collaboratively across parties to increase opportunities for employment, business growth, town development and sport and leisure provision that will benefit people and communities throughout the district.”

A native of Saul, Ms King said she had deep connections with the local community and was actively involved supporting local sports clubs, cross-community events and education. 

She added: “I work in the further education sector and have vast experience in both the leisure Industry and business support in start- up and growth stages. I am also the proud mother of three teenage children who are the primary drivers for everything that I do.”

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Downpatrick is an area that needs a strong voice. We have a superb, refreshed team, built on the solid foundation and experience of previous councillors to do our best for the people of the Lecale area.”

Mr McGrath also paid tribute to outgoing councillors Dermot Curran and John Trainor for their work in building that strong foundation.  

He added: “Gareth, Conor and Aurla will work hard for local needs and  deliver our vision for an enhanced Downpatrick and wider Lecale area that sets us up for a prosperous future.”