Sinn Fein’s Casey chosen as district’s first citizen

Sinn Fein’s Casey chosen as district’s first citizen

22 May 2019

SINN Fein’s Charlie Casey is Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s new chairman.

The Newry politician’s appointment was confirmed at the local authority’s annual meeting on Monday night when he succeeded the SDLP’s Mark Murnin as the district’s first citizen.

The new council vice-chairman is Rowallane SDLP councillor Terry Andrews, who succeeded Sinn Fein’s Oksana McMahon, who represented the Crotlieve area but lost her seat in the recent local government election.

The new chairman was presented with his chain of office by his predecessor, who also lost 

his Slieve Croob seat at the recent election.

The new first citizen said he was delighted to be nominated for the position by his party and hoped to do the position justice, urging all councillors to unite to protect services under the threat in the council area, particularly those in relation to the health and welfare of all, in particular, the most vulnerable.

Cllr Casey also took time to thank Mr Murnin and Mrs McMahon for their work over the past year and the other councillors who were not returning to the council following the election.

Addressing members as chairman for the first time, Cllr Casey urged them to fight for lifesaving and life-changing services, champion the cause of equality and take forward the council’s commitment of putting the organisation at the heart of everything it does.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s mission is to lead and serve the district as a prosperous and healthy area and ensure it is sustainable from an economic, environmental and social perspective. This is what are people expect and what we as elected representatives are required to work to deliver,” he continued.

“I urge all political representatives to continue to unite in the campaign to save local stroke and breast cancer assessment services that are under threat. Working together with all stakeholders we can achieve this.”

The new chairman said that while there were many threats to the district and its communities, most viewed Brexit as the single biggest threat.

“I will commit to working hard with our local and European representatives to ensure that the will of the people in this district is respected and the backstop, as the least worst option, is maintained. Nothing less is acceptable to the people of this district,” he continued.

“I would also like to highlight the great community passion, support and care that exists throughout our district. Newry, Mourne and Down can feel rightly proud of the many voluntary groups, charities, agencies and individuals who work day in and day out with others to help within our community, particularly those who are most vulnerable. They do this quietly and compassionately, out of the limelight.”

Cllr Casey added: “These groups and charities don’t just walk the walk, they talk the talk and as council chairman I say to them that my door is open and I will help their work in any practical and appropriate way I can.”

A beaming Cllr Andrews thanked his party colleagues for nominating him as the new vice-chairman, a role he looking forward to with relish.

He also paid tribute to his party colleague, Mr Murnin, for his year at the helm of the local authority and Mrs McMahon.

He continued: “Words cannot describe how I feel at this moment. I feel honoured and elated and also humbled with being entrusted with the role and responsibilities of being council vice-chairman.

“I will try to do my best for everyone. I feel passionately about people with disabilities and mental health issues in our society. I will do what I can to champion these causes which are dear to my heart over the coming months.”

Cllr Andrews said he was “more than proud” to represent Rowallane and was honoured to be returned to serve on the local authority for a third term. He also extended his congratulations to the council’s new chairman.

He added: “On May 2 the people of Newry, Mourne and Down elected their new councillors and I am sure that tonight is a very proud moment for everyone as they take their seats. I look forward to working with you all.”