Second Derry councillor resigns

A second councillor in one week has resigned from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Alderman Ryan McCready, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has announced he is stepping down.

Commenting on the resignation, a UUP spokesperson said: "This is part of a structured succession plan to facilitate Ryan to re-balance his family and work commitments as he embarks on a new role as the Chair of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commission. 

"This will include a planned move for him from our Foyle Association to the East Londonderry Association as part of that structured process.”

A spokesperson for the Ulster Unionist Party Foyle Association said: "A selection process to replace Alderman McCready will take place early next week. We want to thank Ryan for his commitment, hard work and dedication within the Foyle Constituency and wish him the very best in his new role and look forward to continuing working with him.”

Ryan McCready said: "From sandbags to humanitarian relief. What an absolute privilege it has been to represent people across the city and district over the last 4 years. At times it has been difficult and frustrating work, but at the same time exceptionally rewarding. This is particularly true when it leads to transforming someone's life for the better.

“The long hours, combined with other commitments and future aspirations, have often come at a detriment to family and work-life balance. This has informed my priorities going forward as I accept new challenges.

“I will continue my positive contribution, support and energy to the wider Ulster Unionist Party across the Country. 

“I would like to wish my successor the very best following their selection, nomination and co-option as the Ulster Unionists newest addition to Derry and Strabane District Council. They will have my full support and encouragement.”

Sinn Féin’s Cllr John McGowan, announced earlier this week he was leaving Council due to “personal commitments”. The convention to select his replacement was due to take place last night (Thursday) but was postponed due to the poor weather.

In the 2019 local government elections, Ald McCready was initially elected for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), in the Faughan district electoral area. He was elected on the fourth count.   

On June 14, 2021, Ald McCready left the DUP, saying the party was "no longer compatible" with his beliefs following the ousting of Arlene Foster as party leader. 

Derry Sinn Féin councillor resigns seat

Ballyarnett councillor John McGowan steps down from Derry City and Strabane District Council

He subsequently remained on Council as an Independent Unionist, before joining the UUP on July 5, 2021. At that time he described the UUP as a “progressive and more moderate” alternative to the DUP. 

UUP leader, Doug Beattie, welcomed Ald McCready's defection to the party, saying he was an "impressive individual and impressive councillor”.

In the 2022 Assembly election, Ald McCready was the UUP candidate for Foyle. He received 3,744 first preference votes, and was eliminated on the final count.

Ald McCready was re-elected to Derry City and Strabane District Council in the 2023 local elections. He topped the poll in the Faughan DEA with 1,282 first preference votes and was elected on the second count.

Ald McCready was appointed as Chair of Foyle Port on January 1, 2024. Previously he had been a Harbour Commissioner member since April 2020. He is also a member of the Port’s Audit Committee and Health, Safety and Environmental Committee.