Graduate takes up UUP council seat in Omagh

A 22-YEAR-OLD Queen’s University graduate has been co-opted on to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to replace departing UUP councillor, Chris Smyth.

Matthew Bell will represent the Omagh town area after Mr Smyth stood down to take up a full-time role in England following the completion of his PhD.

Mr Bell took up his seat yesterday (Thursday). The graduate becomes the UUP’s youngest local councillor serving in the North.

He said, “I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to represent Omagh town as an Ulster Unionist Councillor on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. I look forward to building upon the excellent work of my predecessor, Chris Smyth.

“Omagh and its community have given me so much and provided me with the opportunities I have been lucky enough to be offered in my life. I look forward to being involved in helping create further opportunities for the people of our district.

“However, not everyone has had the opportunities to develop their own personal and professional lives in Omagh. Too many of our best and brightest talent leave Omagh and never return. I want to help change that. Omagh is the place I care most about, and intend to do everything within my power and ability to make it a better place for future generations, and over the coming weeks I plan to engage with as many people and community groups as possible.”

His party leader, Doug Beattie, said, “He’s a young man who’s got an awful lot to offer and there will be both exciting and challenging times ahead, but I know he’s up for the task. He was born after the Belfast Agreement was signed and will be part of a new generation entering politics across Northern Ireland in the coming years. He brings drive and enthusiasm and will be the Ulster Unionist Party’s youngest councillor.”

Mr Beattie added, “I would also like to thank Chris Smyth for his service as an Ulster Unionist councillor and wish him all the very best in his future career.”