THE man chosen by Sinn Fein to replace South Down MLA Willie Clarke at Stormont says he “can’t wait to get started.”
Chris Hazzard will be the Assembly’s youngest member when he takes up his new post on April 16 and is delighted to have been selected to represent the people of the constituency.
Mr. Hazzard (27), who is from Drumaness, is looking forward to the challenge ahead and working with the party’s political team at local council and Assembly levels.
He said one of the key aims will be “promoting the Republican principles of bringing about a more equal society and creating a new Ireland” and is looking forward to working with the man he has replaced.
The new MLA has just finished a Doctorate in Political Philosophy and International Studies at Queen’s where he also studied a mixture of politics, history, financial studies and diplomacy courses at undergraduate and masters levels.
Mr. Hazzard, who tried to join Sinn Fein when he was just 14 but was told to try again in two years’ time, has been heavily involved in the background with the work of the party machine. But he admits taking up an MLA’s role is going to be different.
“I’m facing a massive challenge, but it’s one I’m looking forward to. I’m really excited and want to get very involved and am more than well aware that politics is very much about delivering for people,” he continued.
“Sinn Fein has a fantastic team on Down Council and with Willie Clarke concentrating on his role at this level, the party’s grouping will only get stronger.”
Mr. Hazzard said it is “massively important” for him to have councillors working at at Down and Newry and Mourne council levels he can work alongside. He said Sinn Fein is like any political party and needs to deliver.
The new MLA also believes he can bring a “freshness” to the South Down constituency and will work out of Sinn Fein’s offices in Downpatrick and Castlewellan.
“I will be the only South Down MLA based in this part of the constituency as the party aims to be more in touch with the people who live here and raise its profile, particularly in the Loughinisland, Drumaness, Downpatrick and Strangford areas,” he continued.
“I believe the party can grow and achieve massive things in South Down, strengthening its position and continuing to build its electoral success.”
Mr. Hazzard said he aims to grab the opportunity he has been given and remains enthusiastic about what lies ahead. He passionately believes that determination and freshness can help address key issues of job creation and tackling the district’s poor roads infrastructure.
He added: “I have a great team around me. The work ethic of Sinn Fein is second to none and we will continue to deliver for the people of South Down. A big programme of work lies ahead, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”
When he takes up his new role at Stormont, Mr. Hazzard will takeover Mr. Clarke’s positions on the Assembly’s Environment and Agriculture committees.