Derry Sinn Féin finance spokesman Mickey Cooper to stand down after decade due to growing work and party commitments

The local party finance spokesman said it has been a 'massive honour' to represent the people of the Foyleside area over the past decade.

"I have decided to step down from council after ten years as my workload has increased significantly through my own tourism business, a new heritage project I am co-ordinating and other responsibilities I am working on for Sinn Féin.

“It has been a great honour to represent the people of Foyle Springs, Rosemount, Ballymagroarty, Hazelbank, Pennyburn, Coshquin, Northlands, lower Culmore, the University area and the lower Strand.

"They are the salt of the earth and I’ve built up some great personal relationships with constituents and local groups over the past decade. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has worked with and supported me over the years," he said.

Colr. Cooper said he looked forward to assisting his successor after an upcoming selection convention.

“I will also continue to assist our council team particularly in areas such as business and the economy, I.T, tourism and culture and Higher Education all of which I have focussed on during my tenure on council.”