James O’Kane: Not seeking re-election.
Tributes have been paid to long-serving Independent Strabane Councillor James O’Kane who has announced he will not be seeking re-election to the new Derry-Strabane “super council.”
Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle paid tribute Cllr O’Kane’s contribution to both Council and the people of the District following his election in 1982.
She said: “James O’ Kane, and indeed the O’Kane family name, has been so synonymous with local politics in Strabane District down through the generations that I know that it would have been with a very heavy heart that he arrived at this decision.
“Having had the privilege of serving with James on Council from 2008-11, and having built up a strong rapport with him in those years and in the years since, it is clear that James motivation was always to improve the lot of his local community and he passionately fought the corner of all who sought out his help oblivious of colour, class or creed.
“It goes without saying that James will be sorely missed on Council and by the people of Strabane and in recognising the sterling service he has given to both down through the years, I would like to wish James, and his family, all very best at what is an ‘end of an era’ for them all and I hope James can get the same fulfilment in this new era of retirement that he undoubtedly got from representing the people of Strabane. Ádh mór James.”
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