Your Candidate in South Down is: Patrick Brown
Growing up just outside Crossgar, Patrick lives in Downpatrick and has served as a Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor since 2014.
After studying politics at Sheffield University, he moved back to Northern Ireland in early 2014.
Patrick ran for the Assembly, increasing the Alliance vote from 800 to 6,785, and narrowly missing out on a seat. He topped the poll in the Rowallane ward in the Council Election, almost tripling the Alliance vote.
He has previously worked as the Director of a water and sanitation charity in East Africa and currently runs his own company, as well as studying for a PhD in politics at Queen’s University Belfast.
Securing our society
With Brexit set to impact Northern Ireland severely, Patrick ensured Newry, Mourne and Down District Council backed Remain in the referendum. He will use his position as MP to continue fighting Brexit and pushing for a second referendum on any withdrawal deal.
Protecting our environment
Patrick has led the charge on environmental issues locally, leading campaigns in Council to declare a climate emergency, divest Councillors’ pensions from fossil fuel companies, establishing a climate and sustainability forum and installing renewable energy in community centres.
Fighting for openness and transparency
Patrick ensured audio recording of all Council and committee meetings, and online publishing of Councillor’s interests. Despite opposition from the larger parties, he continues to fight to enhance transparency for ratepayers, including video recording of full Council meetings, audio recording of all forums and working groups, and ensuring proper community consultation for major projects.