Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie Steps Aside, New Chairperson Announced

At Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s meeting on Monday 4 January, Chairperson Councillor Naomi Bailie stepped aside from her role of Chairperson.  Councillor Bailie, who has held the position of Chairperson since April 2015, becoming the inaugural Chairperson of the new Super Council, will be taking a short time out of her role in order to have her first child, with the aim of returning to the role sometime later in 2016.

Councillor Bailie has said of her time in office, “Since becoming the very first Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I have made valuable use of this momentous position to bring in a new era for the people of the district.  It has been tremendous honour to be appointed to this role and a privilege to accept the baton to lead in a new era for everyone.  I have paved the way for every member of our community having a voice in Council decision making and have helped to ensure that the different needs of our communities throughout the district have been met.”

Councillor Bailie continued, “I will now be taking a short time out from my role in order to concentrate on the birth of my child and will look forward to returning to my position in the near future in order to continue the good work that the Council has been doing. 

 During the Council Meeting held in the Council Offices at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick on Monday 4 January, Councillor Michael Ruane was elected to the role of Chairperson to cover for Councillor Bailie’s absence. Councillor Ruane said, “ I am honoured and privileged to be nominated by my Party as the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson and hope to continue on with all of the sterling work that Councillor Bailie has achieved during her time in office.  I am looking forward to working on the new opportunities and Council initiatives over the next number of months and to delivering in the role which I have now undertaken.”

Meanwhile, as Councillor Bailie steps aside for a short period of time, this does not impact upon her role as a Councillor for the district.