14 December 2006

Alliance Party wins ex-mayors seat

The Alliance Party has won a by-election to replace the former shamed DUP mayor of Coleraine, Dessie Stewart.

Barney Fitzpatrick won the majority of the votes, beating representatives from both the UUP and UUP.

Commenting on his victory, new Coleraine Alliance Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick thanked local people for their support and stated that this result shows that people are sick of tribal politics.

He also stated that he is looking forward to working for everyone across the Skerries area.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who is a retired senior Police Officer said: "I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Skerries. The people in the area want to move away from tribal politics and this result has illustrated this.

"It is a privilege to be elected to represented Skerries and I am looking forward to working hard for everyone the area.

"As a councillor I want to ensure that local people get value for money and are provided with the best possible services by the council. I also want to help deliver a shared future for the everyone in the area."

Mr Fitzpatrick will take over from Dessie Stewart, who was given a four month jail sentence last month for electoral fraud during the general and local government elections in 2005.

(EF)