The DUP has announced that Gareth Wilson has been selected to be the new DUP MLA for Newry and Armagh when William Irwin formally stands down during the Assembly Christmas recess.
Gareth Wilson has completed 20 unbroken years of service as a Cusher Councillor, including a term as Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Speaking DUP Leader Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP said: “I am delighted that Gareth will be following in the footsteps of William Irwin as DUP MLA for Newry & Armagh. Gareth has been a dedicated and hard-working councillor for two decades now, working closely alongside William in the constituency. He will continue to be a champion for the people of Newry & Armagh within the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“As our candidate in last year’s General Election Gareth will be known to people across the constituency. He brings not just experience, but enthusiasm to the role and he will be a valuable addition to our team in the Assembly.”
Mr Wilson added: “It is an honour to have been chosen by my Party to fill this important role. I have worked alongside William for almost 19 years and words cannot adequately describe his contribution to the constituency and the impact he has made. My focus will be on ensuring that ethos of hard work and delivery will continue in the years ahead.
“I want to thank the people of Cusher who have supported me over the last 20 years in Local Government. I am looking forward to taking that experience into the Northern Ireland Assembly to represent the people of the whole Newry & Armagh constituency.
“I thank the Lord for my health, strength and guidance he has provided, and I will continue to place my trust in him.”
