Sinn Fein candidate wins by-election

Sinn Fein's Turlough Murphy has today defeated campaigner on behalf of victims of republican violence, William Frazer, in the by-election for a seat on Newry and Mourne District Council.

Only two candidates stood in the election, which was held after the resignation of Sinn Fein councillor Breandan Lewis, who stood down from the position six weeks ago.

Mr Frazer stood as an agreed unionist candidate for the seat in the Fews district, however only managed to secure 1427 votes in comparison to Mr Murphy's total of 4092.

The Fews district, covers Newtownhamilton, Camlough, Bessbrook and Donaghmore.

Mr Murphy said that he was deeply heartened by the solid endorsement of Sinn Féin in the Fews area once again thanked all those who voted for him.

The councillor added that like most of the community, he was angry that the by election had taken place at all.

He said: "This was not a serious election in any sense except that of the many thousands of pounds that it has cost the ratepayers of Newry and Mourne. William Frazer who is viewed by many as nothing more than a leading apologist for loyalist paramilitaries, did not canvass the Fews area, did not try to engage with all those who live here, he stuck up number of Posters and that was the sum total of his attempt to represent the people of the Fews area.

"The result here today clearly shows that William Frazer was never a credible candidate despite his endorsement by the Unionist groupings on Newry and Mourne Council."

(EF)