Cllr Thomas Conway (left) with new SDLP candidate in Park, Patrick Leonard.
The SDLP have announced that long serving SDLP councillor for Park, Thomas Conway, will not contest the upcoming Strabane/Derry super election on 22 May.
Patrick Leonard has been selected to replace Cllr Conway as the candidate for the election in three weeks’ time.
Speaking on his selection, Mr Leonard paid tribute to Cllr Conway’s “outstadnig public service.”
He said: “It is a great honour to be selected as the SDLP candidate to succeed Cllr Thomas Conway in the upcoming Strabane/Derry super council elections.
“Cllr Conway has been a dedicated public representative with a strong record of outstanding public service and commitment to the people of Park and the SDLP since his election in 2001.
“His shoes will be hard to fill, but with his support I will do my absolute best to continue to offer a strong voice to the people of Park, delivering on the issues which matter most.”
Mr Leonard concluded: “Thomas has been a pillar within the local community delivering for all local people and will be sorely missed when he leaves the council chamber for the last time in 2015.”
Speaking on Mr Leonard’s selection Cllr Conway, whot will remain as an SDLP councillor until next year, said was “delighted” to endorse and fully support Patrick Leonard as the new SDLP candidate for Park.
He added: Patrick is very much a man of strong family values, married with two children to Grainne Hume, the niece of former SDLP leader John Hume.
“I know Patrick will do all in his power to deliver locally for the people of Park and serve them wholeheartedly with professional courage, dedication and commitment.
“I will do all in my power to ensure his election as an SDLP councillor on 22 May for the people of Park and ask that you support Patrick now and in the weeks ahead.
“I have had an incredible time representing the people of Park since 2001, but the time has come to try something new. I will of course be with Patrick Leonard every step of the way, offering support and advice when needed.”
Cllr Conway concluded: “I wish the new council well for the future and urge a solid commitment to ensure a healthy, democratic local government for all our people.”
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