Alliance has selected local activist Chris McCaw to fill the party’s seat on Causeway Coast and Glens Council – a seat left vacant by the sudden passing of long standing Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick earlier this month.
Selected by local Alliance members at a special meeting on Tuesday night (May 29) at Portstewart Town Hall, Chris said he was “delighted” and “honoured” to take up the role.
He added: “It is with immense privilege that I take up this role, continuing the Alliance Party’s strong record of providing strong inclusive leadership for everyone in the local area. I cannot wait to hit the ground running. I’m extremely passionate about improving our local area and I look forward to working with other Councillors to achieve this.
“My own personal focus will be on the local area’s economic development. Jobs are badly needed in Portrush, Portstewart, Bushmills and the surrounding areas. I feel that I have the skills from my job with Invest NI to make a real impact on the local job market.
“I am also looking forward to working on issues such as integrated education, health and local community relations. These issues are all close to my heart, and I cannot wait to get stuck in.
Paying tribute to Barney, Chris added: “Barney was someone who lived the values of Alliance. He was born in West Belfast and served in the police for over 40 years. He was wounded in the line of duty and yet chose to work for a united community in Northern Ireland, to bring divided communities together.
“I was inspired to become involved in politics by Barney’s passionate belief in a united Northern Ireland and Alliance will continue to work towards his vision of a united, progressive society that works for everyone.”
Chris will take up his position at next month’s Council Meeting.