2007 A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITIES

Wishing all his constituents a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year, North Antrim MLA Seán Farren said:

“2006 has brought the people of Northern Ireland close to seeing devolution restored. Hopefully the early months of 2007will see this prospect realised. If it is then next year will really be a year when the parties can begin the difficult task of advancing the reconciliation and of achieving real economic progress.

“In a few months I shall be stepping back from frontline politics and making way for others to represent the SDLP and its supporters in North Antrim.

“I will look back with fondness on the many years of political involvement in the constituency and the many friends I have made the length and breath of the constituency.

“I want to thank them for their support and encouragement.

“Northern Ireland is a much more peaceful place than it was thirty years ago when I entered the political arena. I believe that much is owed to the dedicated men and women of the SDLP who stood for basic democratic values and opposed the violence which afflicted our communities for far too long.

“To them especially I give my good wishes for the future which I know will bring further prosperity but above all reconciliation to our communities.”