SINN Fein's newly installed MLA for East Derry has said he hopes to promote cross border tourism packages to people visiting the area through his newly appointed post.
Coleraine Councillor Billy Leonard was last week elected to succeed Francie Brolly and has already spoken out about his hopes as the new East Derry representative at Stormont. The former RUC member who moved from the SDLP to Sinn Fein in 2005, says
he will continue to focus on outstanding issues in the East Derry area including the Dungiven bypass and hoped to "maximize" the potential of his constituency's tourism appeal combined with Donegal.
"Why should our tourism package end in Magilligan? The average tourist coming to the area is not going to be confined to one constituency and it's about time this type of thinking was maximized. It's attractive and presents an opportunity for immense potential in making our tourism packages more attractive."
The Assembly member, who says he is a "long term advocate of tourism", says he hopes to work on the approach with East Derry colleagues and bring it to the Assembly table. In his speech at last week's election convention the East Derry Mr Leonard said he would continue to uphold his predecessor's work ethic and represent everyone in East Derry. The Coleraine councillor also paid tribute to Limavady councillor and Sinn Fein colleague Brenda Chivers, who was also in running for the MLA post.
He said: "It is an honour to be chosen to replace outgoing MLA Francie Brolly to represent the people of East Derry. First of all I would like to pay tribute to Brenda who I have the greatest respect for and look forward to working together with, not only in building Sinn Féin in the constituency but in ensuring the people of East Derry are accorded equality."
"I intend to carry on the work that Francie Brolly has been involved in and to represent all the people of this constituency. The North West region is one of the most deprived areas on this island and it is important that we have strong leadership to ensure East Derry is given its fair share."
The Assembly member continued: "Sinn Féin is about giving strong leadership and I will be joining a team in Stormont who will stand strong for peoples rights and for equality. We will be working to bringing about prosperity to all the regions of this island by building an Ireland of Equals."
"I know that the workload of an MLA is daunting but I am prepared and with the help and support of a strong Sinn Féin constituency team I am sure we can deliver."
