McFADDEN LEGACY SET TO CONTINUE

Barbara McAlister will be co-opted onto the council, pending any challenges, at the March mid-monthly meeting.

And she comes with the full backing of her late father's DUP colleagues and her mother, Mary.

Speaking to the Leader, Mrs McAlister said that while she admittedly had nowhere near her father's 38 years of experience she relished taking on the challenges that sitting in the council chamber would present.

"I was asked by daddy's colleagues if I would do it and, after talking to my mother, I decided that I should put myself forward for his seat," she said.

"There are 14 months left of his term before the new 'supercouncils' come in so it would be nice to see that term out. Most importantly, though, it would give me a chance to finish off the work he had begun during his final months on the council and also to help the local community." Mrs McAlister, a registered childminder, said that she knew "bits and pieces" of how council works but that she would not be fearful to have her say in the chamber should she take the seat.

She said, "I have picked up a bit of how it all works as I used to take daddy to a lot of the meetings on a Monday night, but I've been told that I would pick it up quite easily.

"I do hope that it comes to pass that I am selected. I have the family's backing and the party are very keen for me to continue daddy's work.

"It would be good to see the McFadden family legacy at Banbridge council continue," she added.

Mrs McAlister's mother, Mary, gave her a seal of approval by saying, "I know that Barbara is worried that she will not step into her daddy's footsteps but I know that she will.

"I would like to see her carry on what Wilfred fought for and finish off the work that he had started at the Council. She takes a great interest of her wee village of Loughbrickland and I know that she will fight for the local people."

One of Mr McFadden's DUP colleagues, Councillor Jim McElroy, said that he would see Mrs McAlister's selection as a . "As a member of the McFadden family I would of course welcome her to the council chamber," he said.

"I think it would be a great way to remember Wilfie for all that he did in the district. Hopefully everything goes without a hitch as this way we will not need a by-election and waste taxpayers money."