Newry’s vital role in the rejuvenation of the post crisis cross border economy was among topics discussed by Micheal Martin when he spent a day in the city recently. The Fianna Fail leader was principally in Newry for a commemoration of Eamon Donnelly a founder member of the party at Bagenal’s Castle. The Newry nationalist who spearheaded the election of Eamon de Valera to the Northern Ireland Parliament representing South Down is buried in his family tomb a few yards from the Republican plot at St Mary’s Cemetery. Speaking to the Democrat ahead of attending the exhibition in Donnelly’s honour Mr Marttin said it “reveals and illustrates the enormous impact northern politicians had on Fianna Fail and its formation. I’m attending as part of our party’s overall approach to embedding the relationship between north and south and engaging proactively with the north, he added. As well as the event at the museum Mr Martin laid a wreath at the Camlough grave of Fianna Fail founding member Frank Aiken and met with key economic stakeholders including Newry Credit Union Board members in honour of its 50th anniversary and the city’s Chamber of Commerce and Trade throughout the day. Among issues discussed at both meetings which were described by Mr Martin as “wide ranging and thought provoking,” was the potential of the Newry/ Dundalk corridor in boosting cross border economics, the southern relief road and cross border health care.
Newry Democrat
19th November 2013
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