New Derry MLA is Maeve McLaughlin

'Key issues we need to deliver on are maximising the potential of our tourism product, the 2013 City of Culture, and the Regeneration Plan for Derry'

DERRY Sinn Féin has unanimously selected at convention Councillor Maeve McLaughlin to replace Martina Anderson as MLA for Foyle.

Martina is taking up the position of MEP from outgoing MEP Bairbre de Brún.

Councillor McLaughlin was elected to Derry City Council in 2001 and has served the Northland Ward since then.

A community activist, she is a BA honours graduate in Sociology, History and Politics from NUI Galway.

The incoming MLA is also spokesperson for tourism, a member of the local District Policing Partnership and spokesperson on the North-West Region Cross Border Group.

After her unanimous endorsement on Thursday night, Maeve McLaughlin said she is looking forward to representing Derry in the Assembly.

“I believe the key issues we need to deliver on are maximising the potential of our tourism product, the 2013 City of Culture, and the Regeneration Plan for Derry.

"The decision of the Executive to commit £12.6million offers assurances that the city can organise events for City of Culture 2013 with financial confidence.

"We have a golden opportunity for a legacy for Derry with arts, culture and tourist infrastructure ensuring our city becomes a major tourist destination.”

She added that political leaders needs to ensure that the new EU Funding Unit being set up by Derry City Council (which she campaigned for) delivers.

"We must also maximise every opportunity to get funding streams into our city and district. With Martina taking up her new role as MEP, I have no doubt that the voice of Derry and Ireland will be heard loudly in Europe.”