SF announces May candidates

Marian Maguire, wife of sitting Councillor Paul Maguire, has been named as the candidate in Ballymena Town while Patrice Hardy will be running in the Bannside area.

Originally from Toomebridge, Marian Maguire, ran a successful restaurant and contract catering business in Ballymena for several years. She was the area co-ordinator for CFPNI, is currently the chair of her local community association and plays an active role in Ballymena East Rural Community Cluster. Marian has also helped pioneer Glenravel Oil Club which is now being rolled out by Ballymena Council. She is also an active member of Ballymena Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

Mrs Maguire said: “I am already looking forward to the challenge. The support for Sinn Féin in the town is steadily growing and I think that voters will see the possibilities and benefits of electing a Sinn Féin Councillor to represent them in the new Mid & East Antrim Council.”

Following the recent announcement by Councillor Monica Digney of her intention not to run this time, the party have selected 23-year-old schoolteacher Patrice Hardy as their Bannside candidate.

She said: “Sinn Féin has an excellent reputation for hard work representing local people on local issues and I am enthusiastic about that challenge. It will also be important that we have a strong team of Councillors elected to the new Super Council to ensure the views of the Republican/ Nationalist community is heard.”