ELECTION - Faughan Ward

Rachael Ferguson is standing for the Alliance Party in Derry's Faughan Ward in the upcoming Local Government Elections on May 18.

A Councillor since 2019, Rachael is a local mother of two who lives in Faughan and wants all our children to have a future filled with hope. After university in Liverpool she worked in retail.

A board member of her local Women's Activity Group and local Playgroup, she helped co-create an online support network for mums.

Look ahead to Local Government Election 2023 - Faughan Ward

Faughan Ward in-depth focus

"Only 25% of councillors are women", says Rachael. “We lack a gender equal policy - no childcare provision in NI; inadequate female health provision; hikes in domestic violence; and no proper relationship/sex education in schools". 

She highlights the need to build investment in our rural communities and in mental health. "A Council audit showed the largest number of young people reside in our rural villages - but they can't access the same facilities. We cannot expect our young people to stay here, love here, if we don't show them we want them to be here". 

"Our Council was the first to offer support in the cost of living crisis. We have to look at our community funding, to support community fridges, support our rural villages to plant and nurture orchards, grow local food, accessible and free for our residents". 

“Our Council needs to continue to aim to be carbon neutral by 2045 and climate change has to factor into all our future decisions”, says Rachael. “And we should extend our Strathfoyle Maydown greenway to Eglinton, with increased access points”.