Write a commentCurrent Newry City Councillor, Cllr Michael Savage has put his name forward to seek the SDLP nomination for South Down, following an announcement yesterday by current South Down MLA Sinead Bradley that she won't be seeking selection for the next Assembly election and will step down at the end of this current term. Making his announcement the Councillor paid tribute to the current South Down SDLP MLA.
MLA, Sinead Bradley making her announcement on Facebook yesterday said "Whilst I am grateful to enjoy the continued support and confidence of the SDLP and ongoing encouragement from the electorate, I have made the personal choice not to seek selection for the next Assembly election."
Ms Bradley added that she was "Grateful to all those who supported me on my political journey, particularly the first class constituency office team"
A Big Loss
Cllr Savage who ran for the SDLP in the last Westminster Election, has paid tribute to Ms Bradley.
The Newry City Councillor said: "I am very sorry to hear that Sinead is stepping back from frontline politics. The Bradley name is synonymous with public representation and service in South Down, and Sinead has represented the people of this constituency with integrity, compassion, commitment and hard work and she is a big loss to the benches of the Assembly.
"I know this decision would not have been easy for Sinead but I totally respect her decision and wish her every success for the future away from the political limelight but I have no doubt her wisdom and guidance will be called upon in the months and years to come.
Cllr Savage added "I can confirm that I have put my name forward to seek the nomination to run as an SDLP Candidate for South Down in the forthcoming Assembly Elections and I have put in my signed nomination papers required for the selection process."
