Write a commentCouncillor Gillian Fitzpatrick has been selected as the new Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council following tonights AGM in Downpatrick.
The new council chairperson has said her year will be marked by a commitment to build the local economy and stem the tide of emigration forced upon young people living in the district.
Looking forward to her term at the top Gillian commented “It is a deep honour and privilege to have been chosen to serve as the Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. I want to thank my party colleagues for the faith they have shown in me both in the past year as Vice Chair of the Council and going forward as Newry, Mourne and Down’s First Citizen.
“My year in office will have a specific focus on building our local economy and stemming the tide of emigration that has been forced on communities across this district. It is unacceptable to me that families are torn apart because our young people, with incredible skills, are unable to find employment here. That is not their failure, they should not be punished because of a political failure by the Executive.
Concluding the new Chairperson added “I will stand shoulder to shoulder with trade, tourism and business representatives from across Newry, Mourne and Down as we seek to forge a new, dynamic local economy that will turn the page on the dereliction that has plagued towns across our district. We have the powers to address this situation, I’m committed to doing all I can to ensure they are used to maximum effect to enhance our communities.”
