Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Betty has been a magnificent representative for the area and has served everyone with unstinting effort since she was elected in 1997. Her presence and intellect will be very much missed on the Council and we’ll all be sad to see her leave.
“Jennifer has been selected to take over from Betty as our candidate in the next elections in the Downshire area, and I am confident that she will also be an excellent representative. I am sure Jennifer will aim to maintain the level of work that Betty carries out, and she will be very successful if she does so.”
Lagan Valley Alliance Chair Stephen Martin said “Jennifer Coulter is a prime example of the calibre of local Councillor that Lisburn needs. She brings energy, ideas and real-life experience, and I have no doubt will make an excellent Alliance Councillor for the Downshire DEA on Lisburn City Council. Jennifer has big shoes to fill in replacing former Lisburn Mayor Councillor Betty Campbell but I am certain that she will meet the challenge in advocating the interests of local residents.”
Outgoing Downshire Alliance Councillor Betty Campbell states: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving the people of Downshire since my election in 1997, especially my time as Mayor of Lisburn in 2002-3. I would like to thank all the people that have supported and assisted me over the years in my duties. I am very pleased that Jennifer Coulter will be standing in the Downshire area and I am confident that she will make her own mark on local issues.”
New Alliance candidate Jennifer Coulter said: “It is a genuine honour to have been selected to take over as candidate from Betty Campbell. She deserves much credit for the work she has done down the years for all of the people in the Downshire area.
“Alliance has had an excellent year in 2010 with Naomi Long being elected to Westminster and David Ford becoming Justice Minister. We have a very positive message and I am confident that 2011 can be as good, if not even better than this year.”
ENDS
Profile of Jennifer Coulter
Jennifer is a 27 year old History and Politics Teacher, who currently lives in Aghalee. Originally from Inverness, Jennifer studied History at Glasgow University before moving to Northern Ireland in August 2008 with her husband, Stephen. In that time, she has taught at both St Malachy’s College and Campbell College . She is currently teaching History at Ballyclare High School . Jennifer joined the Alliance Party early in 2010, and was active in Naomi Long’s campaign in East Belfast . She is now a council candidate for the Downshire area.