SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has paid tribute to Brian Tierney describing him as his ‘right hand man.’

Former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Brian Tierney has announced that he will not contest the 2027 local government election.

The SDLP Group Leader on the council said that it had been a huge honour to represent the people of Derry but that, due to personal and professional commitments, he will stand down as a councillor early next year.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “For as long as I’ve been in politics, Brian Tierney has been my right hand. Throughout that time, he has been incredibly loyal, always going above and beyond. Nothing has ever been too much for him. He will be a huge loss to politics right across Derry and, in particular, to his constituents in Ballyarnett, who he has proudly represented with distinction.

“During his time as a councillor, Brian has carried on the proud Tierney family tradition of being an accessible public representative who can be counted on in good times and bad. He has been tirelessly on the ground, supporting local communities and working to make this city a better place for us all to live.

“While he will be badly missed on council and by the wider SDLP team, I know Brian still has an important role to play in the coming years. I am glad that he will now have the opportunity to spend more time with his beloved wife Cheryl and his family. He will continue to be an important voice locally and a source of trusted advice to me and the SDLP.”