13/11/2012

Independent Joins DUP

An Independent Councillor has joined the Democratic Unionist Party.

Alderman Frank McCoubrey, who has represented the Court area of Belfast since 1997, is a former Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff of Belfast.

He said: "I have had the privilege of representing the Court Electoral Area since 1997. I know the kind of social and economic problems that face this and many other working class communities.

"It is because of the record of delivery for areas such as my own that I have joined the Democratic Unionist Party and because of the leadership the party has shown in not just highlighting these but in achieving outcomes."

"I look forward to continuing this work as part of a strong Democratic Unionist team, with colleagues at Europe, Westminster, the Assembly and in local Councils to deliver for the needs of people living in some of the most deprived areas of our society."

DUP Leader Peter Robinson welcomed Mr McCoubrey into the party.

"I am delighted that Alderman McCoubrey has taken the decision to join the Democratic Unionist Party," he said.

"Frank is a very well-known representative in the greater Shankill area and he has worked very closely with the Party in tackling issues which affect people living in that area. It is because of this that I know he will be a very valuable addition to the DUP team in Belfast."

DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds added: "Frank has been a very dedicated and hard-working representative for the people of the Court area for many years. He can stand on a strong track record of standing up for those in his locality.

"He joins an already strong DUP team within North Belfast working on the practical day-to-day issues which affect peoples’ lives as well as taking forward a strategy and vision for unionism."

(IT)

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