THE SDLP in Fermanagh are facing a co-option with the shock announcement by Enniskillen councillor, Patricia Rogers that she is to step down from local politics at the end of this month.
Councillors at the latest Policy and Resources meeting last Wednesday night expressed their genuine shock and sadness after Mrs. Rogers announced her intentions to stand down at the outset of the meeting.
At the end of last year the SDLP councillor’s sister and party colleague, Mary Garrity told councillors that Mrs. Rogers’ husband, Brian had been diagnosed with leukaemia.
During the meeting last Wednesday the outgoing local representative said while “thankfully, everyone is in good health”, she felt “the time is right” to bow out from the political scene.
Her announcement provoked widespread support and well wishes from around the chamber.
“There is a time for everything and everything has its time, I feel the time is right for me ,” she told her Council colleagues, “Thankfully everyone is in good health. I am content to bow out from the political scene and concentrate more of my time with family and other pursuits.”
She paid tribute to the “strong and vibrant Council”.
“I can say hand on heart each of us have worked tirelessly for the good of the electorate.”
Mrs. Rogers first stepped into the political ring in 2005, taking up a place around the chamber of the legacy Fermanagh District Council.
She left for a term before returning in 2014.
“I was privileged to have been a part of the transition from the legacy to the Super Council era in local politics,” she said.
Describing her nine year tenure as a mixture of challenging and enjoyable times, she told councillors that working with them had been “truly inspirational and very rewarding”.
“Politics is the art of persuasion,” she said, “Over the years I have made good links with all parties and independents alike and built up a good rapport with councillors. If I ever had any issue I found each and every one of you very approachable and receptive to negotiations.”
She thanked everyone in the Council for the camaraderie and friendship throughout the time she had served as a councillor.
The DUP’s Keith Elliott expressed his shock to hear her news, adding: “You are a lady and it has been a pleasure to work alongside you.”
Ulster Unionist, Alex Baird said he had “no inkling” that Mrs. Rogers’ announcement had been imminent.
“We both came into politics together,” he told her, “The chamber will be a lesser place without you.”
Sinn Fein’s Martin McColgan echoed their sentiments: “I always found you to be a lady,” he told her.
Independent councillor, Bernice Swift said she couldn’t believe the news.
“It is sad for us to lose you but you decision is made. It is hard to wave goodbye and smile at the same time. Your work was stalwart without a doubt. Isn’t it wonderful to be alive and well to hear all the comments that are being made here tonight.”
Former SDLP councillor turned independent, Dr. Josephine Deehan described Mrs. Rogers as “very wise”.
“You don’t know what you have got until it is gone,” she remarked, “We respect the decision you have made and we are very glad to hear you are all in good health - you have come through difficult times.”
Bringing the matter to a close at the committee meeting after her sister had paid tribute to her, Mrs. Rogers said she had been “very humbled” by councillors’ comments and well wishes.
She received a round of applause from the chamber.
There are no indications as to who will be put forward by the SDLP for co-option to fill Mrs. Rogers’ vacant seat.