Gibbons not to stand for office again

AFTER having been involved in local politics for the better part of two decades independent councillor Mark Gibbons has announced he will not be standing to retain his office in the upcoming election.

Citing a desire to spend more time with his family councillor Gibbons described the time he has spent representing the people of the Crotlieve constituency as having been an absolute honour

“After a great deal of thought, and after speaking with my family, I have decided that I do not intend to stand at the next council elections.

“Serving two terms as an Independent Councillor for the people of Crotlieve has been an absolute honour. To have been trusted to represent this area, speak up for our community and help people through difficult times is something I will always be grateful for.

“Above all, my decision comes down to wanting more time with my young family. I want to be more present, to give them more of my time and attention, and to enjoy the everyday moments that are so easy to miss. These are years we cannot get back, and I know I have missed too many of those moments while serving as a Councillor.

“A number of political parties have approached me about standing for them at the next elections. Although I am grateful to have been considered, I have respectfully declined. I was elected as an Independent, and I will finish this term as an Independent and move on.

“This will be the first time in twenty years that I will not have been involved in an election in some capacity. Some people may remember that I stood for Sinn Féin in 2014 and missed out on being elected by the narrowest of margins: just under one vote. My mental health was at rock bottom after that result, and I felt surplus to requirements within the party at the time, although I have a good working relationship with the party at present.

“As my mental health deteriorated, I had an idea, to create a Men’s Shed in Rostrevor, somewhere that might help me and others who needed company, purpose and a place to belong. That was over ten years ago. Little did I know how much that decision would change my life. The creation of Rostrevor Men’s Shed, and especially the fantastic men who helped get it up and running, gave me the confidence to stand at the next local election as an Independent. I never looked back, and more excellent Men’s Sheds began to pop up in the area.

“Now, things feel as though they are coming full circle. After standing down, I am looking forward to spending more time back at the Shed and benefiting once again from the friendship and support that helped me find my feet all those years ago. There is something lovely about finding your way back to the place that helped you move forward and brought you out of the darkness.

“There are still a number of months remaining in this term, and I will continue doing my best for the people who gave me this fantastic opportunity. There is work to do, and my commitment to representing you remains as strong as ever.

“And I would never completely close the door on standing again in the future. If I see no meaningful change in how our community is represented, and if concerns are not addressed, I would have no hesitation in considering a return, whether through council or Assembly elections. For now, however, my intention is to step back at the end of this term and give more time to my family.

To everyone who has supported me, trusted me or turned to me for help, thank you. Representing you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And to those I could not help over these eight years, I am sorry. I truly am. Not being able to get the outcome someone desperately needed has always been one of the hardest parts of this job.

“To whoever eventually succeeds me, be prepared for the best of times and the worst of times, sometimes all within the same day. Be honest with people, be transparent in everything you do, and have the backbone to speak up when it matters. Never be afraid to challenge wrongdoing or stand up to powerful interests. Remember who put you there: the people. Keep that at the heart of what you do, and you will find your way.

“After I step down, I will continue using this page to promote this beautiful place and its people, while continuing to shine a light on the corruption, dirty politics and abuse of power that I have witnessed firsthand.

“For now, though, thank you for being there for me, and for allowing me to be there for you and your families as your local Councillor. I couldn't have done it without you, and I'll always be there if you need me.”