Camlough man Declan Murphy has been co-opted on to Newry, Mourne and Down Council to fill the vacancy in the Slieve Gullion DEA.
Cllr Murphy replaces Cllr Roisin Mulgrew who moved to replace Cllr Liz Kimmins in Newry after she herself moved to Stormont to subsequently replace MLA Megan Fearon.
Speaking after being formally coopted on to the Council, Councillor Declan Murphy said that he looked forward to working with his Party colleagues and all who wished to help build cleaner, greener, stronger and safer communities throughout the Council area.
The Camlough native said, “I would like to thank Sinn Féin for giving me the opportunity to serve as part of the Newry Mourne & Down Council team.
I look forward to working with my Party colleagues and all who wish to deliver effective, affordable and accessible services to the residents of this Council District.
There is a continued need to work at grass root level with people,Voluntary Groups and agencies to build cleaner, greener, stronger and safer communities”.
The new Councillor continued,“I have been involved in national and community politics all my life and I'm currently the chairperson of the Camlough Community Association and a Social Partner on both the Policing Committee and Community Safety Partnership and on the Newry, Mourne and Down Peace Partnership.
"Many of those who work at grass root level feel undervalued and their work underfunded. I will endeavour to ensure that their voice is heard and their work supported”.
Concluding the south Armagh Councillor said :My Key priorities will include ensuring we have an impartial and efficient police service that tackles house break-ins and criminal gangs. I will also endevour to ensure the council uses it's resources to attract investment, jobs and affordable housing for the people of this area”.