Posted online: Jun 2nd, 2010

By Marianne Craig
Reporter

THE MAN set to be Derry’s youngest ever Mayor has said he is bringing political experience to the job despite his tender years.

At just 27, SDLP Councillor Colum Eastwood will take up the role as Derry’s first citizen at the council’s AGM next Monday.
Speaking to the Derry News at the weekend, Cllr Eastwood – who has twice chaired the City of Derry Airport Committee – said he hopes to use his age as an ‘opportunity to project a youthful and vibrant city’.
“I’ve held a variety of positions within my party so think I will bring a mixture of youth and experience to the job,” he said.
“I’m very happy that my party members have selected me and have faith in me to the job.
“It is a tremendous honour and great privilege to be selected to represent the people of Derry as their mayor.
“Because of my age I will have an opportunity to project an image of youthful, vibrant, fun loving city.
“We have a young population and it’s important they are represented.”
The week after his appointment sees the long awaited publication of the Saville Report into the events of Bloody Sunday, with Cllr Eastwood adding that he hopes the report will vindicate those killed or injured at the hands of British Paratroopers on 30 January 1972.
“The coming weeks we will have the long awaited and long overdue Saville Report into the events of Bloody Sunday,” he said.
“And as a member of the Bloody Sunday Trust I am keen to see justice finally done for those who were murdered or injured on that day and the rightful recognition of their innocence.”
He added that he will do all in his power to help Derry’s economic regeneration both locally and abroad.
“The City of Culture bid will hopefully come to fruition in the next few months which will see Derry get the recognition it deserves,” he said.
“However, in the current economic climate I will use my position as mayor to represent the city’s best interests and do everything in my power to showcase Derry’s assets at home and abroad as we continue to seek the much needed investment that is vital to the regeneration of the entire north-west region.”
Mr. Eastwood concluded by paying tribute to the outgoing Mayor Paul Fleming, who he said had accomplished much for the city during his tenure.