McAteer leaves politics due to ill health | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

McAteer leaves politics due to ill health

Councillor Kevin McAteerIndependent Newry City Councillor and Assembly candidate for People Before Profit Alliance, Kevin McAteer has announced his intention to leave politics due to ill health, Newry Times can reveal.

McAteer, who has been battling depression and anxiety, has said he has decided to call time on his political career, with immediate effect, to focus on his health and his family.

Speaking to Newry Times, Councillor McAteer said, “It is with a heavy heart that I have chosen to stand down as a public representative for Newry City.”

Article continues below:

Jan End 2017In March 2016 McAteer opened up about his battle with depression and his attempted suicide.


 

Just last week the local Councillor announced he was standing for the upcoming Northern Ireland Assembly Election for People Before Profit Alliance.

“It has been no secret that I suffer from depression, which I revealed last year in order to help others,” he explained.


 

“However, as of late I have been diagnoised with an anxiety disorder. After lengthy discussions with my doctor and family I have chosen to give up politics in order to work on regaining my health.

“I would like to thank the people of Newry for all their support and I would like to commend all the staff at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for all their hard work. I would also like to pay tribute to my political colleagues, Councillors, MLAs and MPs; public life is not easy for politicians and it is certainly not easy for our families.


 

He added, “I wish those taking part in the election the very best of luck. For me the most important things now will be my health, my family and also focusing on my nursing career.”

More on this story:
Ex-SDLP Councillor to stand for People Before Profit in Newry and Armagh
Newry Councillor opens up about depression and suicide attempt

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=59330

Posted by on Feb 3 2017. Filed under Community, News, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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