Michael Savage and Doire Finn have been announced as the SDLP candidates for the upcoming council election in Newry City.
Michael has represented Newry City on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council since 2017. For the past year he has served as Chairperson of the Council. He has been a leading defender of maintaining medical services at Daisy Hill Hospital. He has also led efforts within the Council to create affordable and social housing to address the city’s housing crisis.
For the past three years Doire has been the office manager and right-hand woman to Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA. Before this, she was involved in campaigning against a hard Brexit in Ireland.
Cllr Savage said he was “excited and exhilarated” about the campaign ahead.
“It has been an honour to serve as your councillor these past six years, and as chair of the Council for the past year.
“I entered politics because I wanted to fight for what matters to ordinary people. I am especially proud of the steps we have taken to build affordable housing and leading the way in securing the 15-acre People’s park at the Albert Basin.
“This is a challenging time for our city. The cost-of-living crisis continues to hit all of us. As a border community we have been disproportionally impacted by Brexit. Worse still, we have seen our access to healthcare put in jeopardy by cuts to services at Daisy Hill Hospital. “I know there is still work to be done. The fight continues and I intend to keep fighting for as long as people need me.
“I am delighted to be joined on the ticket by a candidate of Doire’s calibre. Together I am confident we can provide the people of Newry with representation they can be proud of.”
Doire Finn said she was “thrilled” to be a candidate and keen to get out on the doors and talk to as many constituents as possible.
“I’m delighted to be standing as a candidate with Michael and the rest of our SDLP team in this year’s council election.
“For the past three years I have helped residents from all parts of our community. I’ve supported families with everything from the cost of energy, to applying for housing, to obtaining special educational support for their children.
“I have seen first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis and the Stormont collapse is hurting our entire community. I want to be part of a new better politics that puts the people of our island first.
“If you vote for me, I will take everything I have learned for the past three years and use it to help the city I love. Above all, I want to be a voice for young people on our council. I will fight to ensure that whether it’s in their classrooms, our sports facilities, or in our homes, our children have everything they need to achieve the future they deserve.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 