By Ryan Sands
MOURNES councillor Michael Rice will be on the ballot paper for next year’s Assembly election, as part of Sinn Féin’s drive to get three MLAs elected in South Down.
The Mourne Observer revealed last week that the party was set to announce that it would be running one more candidate than it did in 2022 – alongside incumbent MLAs Sinéad Ennis and Cathy Mason – and this was confirmed at a special event last Wednesday (24 June).
At the launch in Atticall Community and Sports Centre, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that Sinn Féin’s growth in this constituency had shown that it “can make history and win three seats”.
“For the first time ever, Sinn Féin will stand three candidates in South Down at the next Assembly election,” she continued.
“Sinn Féin has grown incredibly in South Down over the last 10 years, and, next May, we are going for three Assembly seats in South Down.
“Sinéad Ennis, Cathy Mason and Michael Rice live and breathe South Down.
“They work hard every day for all our people and communities, no matter their background.
“These three candidates embody the spirit of public service and integrity, with an unwavering commitment to bettering our society.”
Speaking at the event, Cllr Rice urged local voters to “make history and elect three Sinn Féin MLAs in South Down next May”.
“My deep-rooted connection to the land and the local community drives my commitment to delivering for the people of South Down and ensuring their voices are represented at the highest levels of government,” he stated.
“As part of a strong Sinn Féin MLA team, I am dedicated to delivering positive change, supporting local families and businesses, and working to ensure that the people of South Down continue to be strongly represented in the Assembly.”
The Atticall man – who had previously held the role of chairperson of South Down Ógra Shinn Féin – joined council in early 2022, succeeding the late Seán Doran as a representative for the Mournes.
In May of that year, at 22, Cllr Rice became the youngest ever chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, taking over from Mrs Mason, who had just been elected to the Assembly, for a month.
Ms Ennis said that it was “an honour for me, once again, to put myself before the people of South Down and ask for your support”.
“South Down is a constituency with enormous potential,” she added.
“I know people want to see increased investment in our towns and villages, investment that revitalises our local areas, supports small businesses and creates real opportunities for everyone who calls this place home.
“Raising my young family here, I understand the pressures facing working families every day.
“That is why I will continue to stand up for investment in childcare services and opportunities that allow our young people to build their futures here at home.”
Mrs Mason stressed that she was “incredibly proud” to be going before the electorate again in 2027.
“From our towns and villages to our rural communities, people want to see investment, opportunity and strong local representation that delivers for them every day,” she stated.
“People want good schools, accessible healthcare, affordable childcare, quality housing and opportunities that allow our young people to build their future here at home.
“Over recent years we have seen real change across Ireland, and, next May, people in South Down will have the opportunity to strengthen Sinn Féin’s team, to continue delivering for local communities and help shape the future of our island.”
In 2022, Sinn Féin secured 44.3 per cent of first preference votes in South Down, which saw Ms Ennis and Mrs Mason elected on the first count.
