Alliance Party Leader David Ford MLA said: “Frank is a tireless campaigner for the area and has worked hard for everyone in the area down the years.
“He is a very popular figure in the town and is extremely well respected for the work he has done as a Councillor. Sheila, who is replacing Frank on the Council will continue Frank’s excellent work and I am confident she will be a brilliant representative for everyone in the area and for the Alliance Party. Sheila has been working alongside Frank on local issues and is an excellent campaigner.
“People will be very sad to see Frank leaving the Council and his input will be very much missed.
“Frank genuinely epitomises what being a Councillor is all about. He is someone who works extremely hard at grassroots level with the community and would go out of his way to help everyone no matter what the issue is.
“I consider Frank a close friend of mine and I have known him for a very long time. He has been an excellent representative not only for Alliance but for people in his area and for the Council more widely. His enthusiasm and his efforts in working to build a shared society must be recognised. Frank has been involved in Alliance right from the foundation of the party and we have been privileged to have him as a Councillor.
“Society owes a debt of gratitude to people like Frank who have worked so hard in standing up against sectarianism through the darkest days of the troubles and have helped see us through to a more peaceful and shared future.”
Frank McQuaid said: “Due to circumstances beyond my control it has become necessary for me to step down as Councillor effective from Friday 1st October 2010. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people of the District who have supported me and given me, through their vote, the honour of serving the people of Banbridge – it has been a wonderful journey.
“I am indebted to my Council colleagues for all their help and understanding over the past few years as my health deteriorated. The people of Banbridge should know that while we all have our own beliefs and policies as a rule we all work together for the betterment of the whole District. I thank the Chief Executives both past and present and all their staff for the sterling work that they do day and daily for us all. I cannot forget all the people in Alliance Upper Bann who have walked beside me throughout the years, thank you all very much.
“Whilst I am retiring from public office I am passing on the mantle to my wife Sheila who has worked beside me for the past thirty six years. Sheila has had many years of community experience and has sat on several community committees and boards over the years. She is a former parent governor of Bridge Primary School and served as secretary to the Banbridge Academy Association for a while. I know I can rely on the people of Banbridge to support her as they have supported me.”
ENDS