Sinn Fein councillors have been elected to the two top positions at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Downpatrick Councillor Philip Campbell is the new chairperson and Newry Sinn Fein Cllr Geraldine Kearns is deputy chairperson.
The duo take over from the district’s first openly gay chair and deputy, Cllr Pete Byrne (SDLP) and David Lee-Surginor (Alliance).
Former chairperson, Cllr Byrne remarked on a particular highlight of his tenure, having flown home from a holiday in Spain to lead the city’s Pride Parade.
However, it was during a wave of congratulations from cross party members, that a potential new career as an RTE presenter was mooted in the chamber.
Mournes DUP cllr, Henry Reilly said: “At all the events I attended that you had hosted, everybody was full of praise for you.
“Your compassion and understanding. And you’re a smart guy because you did a lot of research. You knew a lot of what was going on in the background for all those different groups and they were impressed.
“One of the guys from a group said to me, ‘thon boy would make some host of The Late, Late’ …and I thought you can’t say anymore than that.”
The new Sinn Fein chair and deputy have now pledged together to take on their roles with a shared commitment to championing the community.
Chairperson, Philip Campbell said:“I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of chairperson of NMDDC. As someone raised in Downpatrick, this district isn’t just where I live, it’s who I am.
“I’m proud to call it home, proud to raise my family here and proud of the people who make it such a special place.
“With the support of my party colleagues and my incredible family, I step into this role with purpose.
“Over the next year, my focus will be on empowering our young people through community projects, sport and the arts so that every young person in our district feels seen, supported and inspired.
“We are stronger together and together we can build a district where our youth feel proud of where they come from and confident about where they’re going. I look forward to working with all council members in the year ahead.”
