Newest councillor takes up his post

Luke Poots, 23, the third generation of his family to take up the Downshire seat, is delighted to take up his new post but stressed that he told DUP Party officers who took the decision to co-opt him onto Lisburn City Council, that he didn’t want preferential treatment. Luke, the grandson of former Councillor Charles Poots and son of Health Minister Edwin Poots, said that following in their footsteps did put him under “a lot of pressure”.

“Combined my father and grandfather had 37 years on the council and an estimated 1000 plus site meetings,” he said.

Luke who lives in Legacurry with his grandfather is looking forward to his council duties.

“The Downshire community is a great community to live and grow up in and people can see this as the community has come together in light of some devastatingly tragic events.”

The young politician says he wants to see “more unionist unity although having different party policies”.

“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success,“ Luke explained.

He also hopes he will be a voice for the young and is keen to tackle rural issues including farm safety.

Luke will sit on Lisburn City Council’s Corporate and Economic Commitees.