7 April 2005 Edition
Sinn Féin selects 11 for Omagh District Council
Sinn Féin has selected eleven candidates to contest next month's Council elections in the Omagh District. The party has set the objective of increasing its representation on the Council this time around, having secured eight seats in 2001. Sinn Féin plans to further strengthen its mandate and to consolidate its position as the largest party grouping on the Council.
In the Omagh Town Electoral Area, Seán Begley and Martin McColgan will contest. Sinn Féin is confident of securing two seats in the town this time around, building on the heightened profile and work rate of Councillor Sean Begley. Martin McColgan is a first-time candidate but has been centrally involved in the development of Sinn Féin and the community sector in Omagh for many years.
In Mid-Tyrone, traditionally a republican heartland, Sinn Féin will once more field five runners. The Mid-Tyrone team includes current Council Chairman, Sean Clarke; Councillor Mickey McAnespie; the party's representative in Beragh / Sixmilecross, Cathal McCrory; together with two first-time candidates, Sharon O'Brien from Loughmacrory and Declan McAleer, who will concentrate on the Killyclogher and Mountfield areas.
In West Tyrone, Sinn Féin's local government election campaign will be fought out by local MLA Barry McElduff; Trillick-based Councillor Peter Kelly; Dromore woman Ann Quinn, who has previously served on the Council; and Drumquin man Frankie Donnelly, who is making his electoral debut in a team aimed at maximising the party's appeal to the local electorate.
In a statement launching the Sinn Féin campaign on Tuesday, Sean Begley said that this party is "confident but in no way complacent' going into the elections.
Councillor Begley said that Sinn Féin will continue to "provide strong civic leadership as the largest party grouping on Omagh District Council" and will "continue to take initiatives aimed at providing best value for local ratepayers and citizens.
"Sinn Féin places huge importance on listening to what people are saying. We will continue to deliver effective representation for the people of West Tyrone. Sinn Féin continues to provide a valuable full time Constituency Service for the people and we are committed to building upon these services in the next four years.
He paid tribute to the outgoing councillors, who are not seeking re-election, namely Barney McAleer, who will be stepping down on this occasion on health grounds; and Damien Curran and Pat Watters. "I wish to thank them for their outstanding service to Sinn Féin and the local community," he said.