The SDLP has selected councillor Pete Byrne as the next Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The first LGBT chair of the council, Councillor Byrne will take up the position at a council meeting tonight (Monday).
He commented: “I am absolutely delighted to become Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down. There are few better feelings than being selected to serve as the first citizen of a place that is so close to my heart. I am proud of this place and it’s people, we have seen much adversity over the years but we always come out stronger, supporting each other along the way.
“As Chair I am looking forward to visiting every part of our council area and working on behalf of every community. Our council area is rapidly changing, becoming an important link between the North and South of our island and I believe that creates immense opportunities for growth and investment.
“I am determined to be a champion for inclusion and the most vulnerable in our society and will use my platform and voice to shout as loud as possible about everything Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer.”
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: “Throughout his time in politics Pete Byrne has worked to break down barriers and stand up for his community and it’s highly significant that he will now serve as the first LGBT+ chair of Newry, Mourne and Down.
“It’s fitting that he will now lead the way as first citizen in the place where he grew up, providing important representation to this council area.”
He added: “There are few politicians who work as hard as Pete. He has been a vociferous voice when it comes to delivering for people in this area, particularly in his own constituency of South Armagh.
“Pete has fought to challenge misconceptions and deliver change in a number of areas, including policing, public transport and local amenities like youth clubs to support young people in the area and I am sure that he will build on that good work throughout his year as chair.”
