Gregory gets his bus pass

EAST Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has reached another significant milestone. The DUP MP is now able to benefit from the Translink Smartpass that he introduced to Northern Ireland as Regional Development Minister in October 2001.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Feb 2013, 16:19 BST

Commenting, Mr Campbell said: “Over the years I have had many constituents approach me waving their Translink pass at me and telling me how pleased they are to have got their ‘Greg Pass’. “Having introduced the DUP policy of free travel for older people back in 2001 I am delighted that even now many people still remember my tenure as DRD Minister. Some people might like to think that I was playing the ‘long-game’ back in 2001, but at the time I wasn’t thinking ahead to the time when I’d be able to benefit from it myself!

“It’s also come at a very opportune time for East Londonderry with the announcement that the Coleraine to Londonderry railway line is to re-open ahead of schedule. Whilst I’ll still be using the car for my duties around the constituency and to Stormont I know that I’m now part of a very large and popular Ulster club of those who hold the Smartpass.”