The SDLP has selected Killian Feehan as its new councillor for the Newry area.
Mr Feehan was confirmed by SDLP members in the area this week.
He fills the vacancy left by outgoing councillor Michael Savage on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said:
“Killian has been a committed SDLP activist in the Newry area for many years and I’m delighted that he has been selected by local members to serve as a councillor. Killian will make a fantastic addition to our strong SDLP team in Newry and right across the council area and I know that he is determined to give everything to tackle the issues impacting people locally.
“The SDLP has a long and proud history in Newry and I know that Killian is determined to build on that going forward and advance our party’s renewed mission to end division and build a new Ireland. As evidenced by the recent flooding, SDLP representatives work tirelessly on behalf of the local community and I have no doubt that Killian has a huge contribution to make both to our party and to the people of Newry.”
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“Having worked along with Killian for several years now I know just how passionate and committed he is about helping people. Killian has an abiding determination to see Newry reach its full potential as a city where ambition is harnessed and people are given the same access to services and opportunities as anywhere else on this island.
“I am confident he will be an excellent representative for people in this area and I know that he will be a relentless advocate on the challenges facing our local community, while also stopping at nothing to showcase the best of what we have to offer.
“I wish Killian ádh mór in his new role.”
Councillor Feehan said:
“It’s an honour to have been selected to replace Michael Savage as SDLP Councillor for Newry. I want to thank Michael for his service and dedication to the people of Newry over the years. Michael has left a proud legacy as a strong advocate for working people on both sides of the community, and I want to continue his hard work and the representation he has provided to local people.
“I am extremely passionate about our local community, and I want to see Newry thriving. I am determined to play my part in making Newry a better place to live, work, raise a family, and run a business. Enormous effort is required from our local council on so many fronts: protecting services at Daisy Hill Hospital, ensuring that households and businesses bounce back from the devastation of last week’s floods, and fighting for opportunities, investment, and development for Newry at every turn. I want to be on the frontline of those fights.
“It is humbling to be moving into the seat once held by my great Grandfather Tommy Markey in the 1960s. Local government needs to be delivering for local people, and I want to recapture the spirit of civic pride, opportunity and delivery that defined our Council in days gone by. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be a strong advocate for the people of Newry, and to ensure that the voice and values of local people are heard in the Council Chamber.”