Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

NIC address Newry and Mourne District Council

Published: 22 January, 2009

Newry Identity Campaign chairperson, Mickey Brady MLA has said that the campaign has gained further support after NIC representatives gave a presentation to Newry and Mourne District Council yesterday (21st) on the campaign's proposals to maintain Newry's urban identity.

NIC spokesperson and advisor to Mr. Brady, Patrick Quinn commented that he was hopeful of gaining the support of the Council and stated,

"This presentation to the Council's Technical & Environmental Committee was one of a number of presentations which we have given to various community groups in Newry after hosting a public meeting in November."

"The campaign received support from a number of Councillors present. Charlie Casey and Brendan Curran who had always been supportive of the campaign called on those present to look beyond local politics and urged the Council to defend Newry's identity. I also welcome comments made by SDLP councillors who stated that the existing boundaries had left many Newry people outside of its electoral area and welcomed the proposals which would now include these Newry citizens."

"The presentation also provided us with an opportunity to clarify the procedures for submissions to the boundary commission as there had been some confusion previously with councillors believing that the date had passed. We explained that this was not the case and provided a breakdown of the commission's workings."

Mickey Brady concluded,

"The presentation to the Council was just a small part of a much wider campaign. I would call on the people of Newry to stand together and support our campaign to prevent the break up of Newry and maintain our common identity."