Matthew Bell, a 22-year-old Queen`s University graduate from Omagh, has been co-opted to Fermanagh & Omagh District Council to replace Chris Smyth who is standing down to take up a full-time role in England following the completion of his PhD.
Ulster Unionist Leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party is always looking for new, young, fresh talent to come into the party and get directly involved in politics so I`m delighted to announce that Matthew Bell has been co-opted to Fermanagh & Omagh District Council to represent the Omagh District Electoral Area.
“He`s a young man who`s got an awful lot to offer and there will be both exciting and challenging times ahead, but I know he`s up for the task. He was born after the Belfast Agreement was signed and will be part of a new generation entering politics across Northern Ireland in the coming years. He brings drive and enthusiasm and will be the Ulster Unionist Party`s youngest councillor.
“I would say to anybody out there, if the Ulster Unionist Party values are what you believe in, then join us and help us create a real union of people across Northern Ireland.
"I would also like to thank Chris Smyth for his service as an Ulster Unionist Councillor and wish him all the very best in his future career."
Matthew Bell said:
“I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to represent Omagh town as an Ulster Unionist Councillor on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. I look forward to building upon the excellent work of my predecessor Chris Smyth.
“Omagh and its community have given me so much and provided me with the opportunities I have been lucky enough to be offered in my life. I look forward to being involved in helping create further opportunities for the people of our district.
“However, not everyone has had the opportunities to develop their own personal and professional lives in Omagh. Too many of our best and brightest talent leave Omagh and never return. I want to help change that. Omagh is the place I care most about and intend to do everything within my power and ability to make it a better place for future generations, and over the coming weeks I plan to engage with as many people and community groups as possible.”