SDLP announce candidates in Glens

Sitting Councillors Margaret Anne McKillop from Cushendall, and Dónal Cunningham from Ballycastle will be joined on the ticket by Loughguile woman Joanne McKeown.

Councillors McKillop and Cunningham were elected to Moyle Council in 2011, and since then have proven to be very effective community representatives.

Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said “This is a very important election and it is vital that the Glens will have committed representatives who understand and will make a real difference for the community. The Glens needs a strong effective voice in the new Council.”

Councillor Dónal Cunningham continued “Our top priority will be to have a strong voice in the new Council to make sure that our area gets the best deal, in order to bring jobs and growth back to the area.  Local communities are key to the economic revival of our towns and villages and should be empowered to drive forward economic development. ”

Loughguile woman Joanne McKeown has worked for over 20 years in the business recovery and insolvency industry and has extensive experience assisting both individuals and companies who are in financial difficulties and helping them on the road to recovery.

She said “Our rural economy has been hit hard in recent times and it is

imperative that we stop the decline and set out on a path of regeneration, to create employment opportunities for all and stop the exodus of talented young people from our area

Supporting the party’s electoral team, party leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell described the candidates as “strong, committed and dedicated”.

Dr McDonnell said: “Each of the candidates is well known and grounded in their own communities and committed to making a difference”

The new extended ‘Glens’ electoral area, will replace the existing Ballycastle, Glens, and part of the Causeway electoral areas from Moyle as well as taking in  the Loughgiel and Stranocum wards from the Bushvale electoral area of Ballymoney Council.