Independent councillor Mark Gibbons has announced he will not seek re-election to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at the next local government poll, bringing to a close eight years representing the Crotlieve district.
In a candid statement, Cllr Gibbons said serving two terms as an Independent councillor had been “an absolute honour”, but that the time had come to prioritise his young family.
“After a great deal of thought, and after speaking with my family, I have decided that I do not intend to stand at the next council elections,” he said.
“Serving two terms as an Independent Councillor for the people of Crotlieve has been an absolute honour. To have been trusted to represent this area, speak up for our community and help people through difficult times is something I will always be grateful for.
“Above all, my decision comes down to wanting more time with my young family. I want to be more present, to give them more of my time and attention, and to enjoy the everyday moments that are so easy to miss. These are years we cannot get back, and I know I have missed too many of those moments while serving as a Councillor.”
Cllr Gibbons confirmed he had been approached by a number of political parties about standing under their banners at the next election, but said he had turned down those invitations.
“A number of political parties have approached me about standing for them at the next elections. Although I am grateful to have been considered, I have respectfully declined. I was elected as an Independent, and I will finish this term as an Independent and move on.”
The Crotlieve representative reflected on a political journey spanning two decades, including an early near-miss in electoral politics.
“This will be the first time in twenty years that I will not have been involved in an election in some capacity. Some people may remember that I stood for Sinn Féin in 2014 and missed out on being elected by the narrowest of margins: just under one vote.
“My mental health was at rock bottom after that result, and I felt surplus to requirements within the party at the time, although I have a good working relationship with the party at present.”
It was during that difficult period, he said, that the idea that would go on to define much of his community work first took shape – the creation of Rostrevor Men’s Shed.
“As my mental health deteriorated, I had an idea, to create a Men’s Shed in Rostrevor, somewhere that might help me and others who needed company, purpose and a place to belong. That was over ten years ago. Little did I know how much that decision would change my life.
“The creation of Rostrevor Men’s Shed, and especially the fantastic men who helped get it up and running, gave me the confidence to stand at the next local election as an Independent. I never looked back, and more excellent Men’s Sheds began to pop up in the area.”
Cllr Gibbons said his decision to step down now feels like “coming full circle”, with a desire to spend more time again at the Men’s Shed that he credits with helping him through some of his darkest days.
“Now, things feel as though they are coming full circle. After standing down, I am looking forward to spending more time back at the Shed and benefiting once again from the friendship and support that helped me find my feet all those years ago.
“There is something lovely about finding your way back to the place that helped you move forward and brought you out of the darkness.”
He stressed that he will continue to work on behalf of local residents until his term ends.
“There are still a number of months remaining in this term, and I will continue doing my best for the people who gave me this fantastic opportunity. There is work to do, and my commitment to representing you remains as strong as ever.”
While clear that he intends to step away at the next election, Cllr Gibbons did not completely rule out a future return to electoral politics if he feels the community is not being properly represented.
“And I would never completely close the door on standing again in the future. If I see no meaningful change in how our community is represented, and if concerns are not addressed, I would have no hesitation in considering a return, whether through council or Assembly elections. For now, however, my intention is to step back at the end of this term and give more time to my family.”
Offering thanks to those who have supported and entrusted him over the past eight years, he also expressed regret for the cases where he was unable to deliver the outcomes people needed.
“To everyone who has supported me, trusted me or turned to me for help, thank you. Representing you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And to those I could not help over these eight years, I am sorry. I truly am. Not being able to get the outcome someone desperately needed has always been one of the hardest parts of this job.”
Cllr Gibbons also had a message for whoever eventually succeeds him in the Crotlieve seat, urging them to put integrity and accountability at the centre of their work.
“To whoever eventually succeeds me, be prepared for the best of times and the worst of times, sometimes all within the same day. Be honest with people, be transparent in everything you do, and have the backbone to speak up when it matters.
“Never be afraid to challenge wrongdoing or stand up to powerful interests. Remember who put you there: the people. Keep that at the heart of what you do, and you will find your way.”
Looking beyond his council role, he said he will continue to use his public platform to both promote the area and call out what he describes as “corruption, dirty politics and abuse of power”.
“After I step down, I will continue using this page to promote this beautiful place and its people, while continuing to shine a light on the corruption, dirty politics and abuse of power that I have witnessed firsthand.”
He concluded by again thanking local residents for their support throughout his time in office.
“For now, though, thank you for being there for me, and for allowing me to be there for you and your families as your local Councillor. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I’ll always be there if you need me.”
