Parsley hails North Down Council result

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th May 2005

Young Alliance Chairman Ian James Parsley has hailed the party's result in the local elections in North Down, which saw the party's six candidates all returned.

Mr Parsley stated: "I would like to pay tribute to the members of the party's youth wing who helped achieve this result.

"Given the squeeze on the centre ground of Northern Ireland politics, coming out of this election one seat better off is a great accomplishment.

"It could not have happened without the assistance and encouragement of the youth wing, whether on the doorsteps or at the strategy meetings. Every little bit counted."

Mr Parsley, himself elected in Holywood, added: "This result just shows that youth can make a real difference in politics. I will use the mandate I myself have been privileged to be given in order to continue to pursue my work encouraging youth participation in the political process."

ENDS

NOTES:

1. Alliance gained one seat in North Down: it now has 6 out of 25 (DUP 8, UU 8, Other 3).

2. Councillors do not take up their position as such until the end of the week.