SDLP councillor Christine McFlynn announces decision to not seek re-election
SDLP councillor Christine McFlynn has confirmed she will not stand for re-election in Mid Ulster, retiring from public life after representing Magherafelt DEA since 2009
Mid Ulster SDLP councillor Christine McFlynn has announced she will not seek re-election, confirming her retirement from public life after representing the Magherafelt District Electoral Area (DEA) since 2009.
Councillor McFlynn said she had decided after the 2023 council election that it would be her last having served the constituency for over 15 years.
In a statement, she said: “Having been an SDLP councillor representing Magherafelt DEA since 2009 has been a great privilege and I thank everyone for their support. After the 2023 election I made a decision it would be my last so I won’t be seeking re-election, I will retire from public life soon.”
Reflecting on her time in public office, Councillor McFlynn thanked the people and communities she had met over the years, as well as the colleagues and friends who had supported and guided her.
She said: “I have met many wonderful people and communities down through the years and I’m very grateful for their support.
“It’s impossible to thank everyone who has helped and guided me - colleagues and friends. A big thank you to the residents for putting their trust in me and I hope you continue to support the SDLP.”
Councillor McFlynn also paid tribute to her family, thanking her family for their support and love as she looks forward to spending more time with them.
She said: “I have strong family values so I’m grateful to my husband Oliver and my children Julie, Philip and Raymond for their support and love and I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with them.”
Fellow SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn paid tribute to Councillor McFlynn’s contribution to local government and the party.
In a message of thanks, he said: “Christine, it has been an absolute honour to serve alongside you on council for the past 13 years.
“You have been an outstanding representative for the people of Magherafelt DEA and a dedicated servant of the SDLP.
“I've genuinely lost count of the number of times I've turned to you for advice and I've always been grateful for it.
“If we had more councillors like you, we'd be in a far better place.
“Thank you for everything you've done. Enjoy every minute of your well-earned retirement, Christine. But I hope you'll come along to the odd branch meeting.”