Sinn Féin Councillor Chris McCaffrey has announced he will not be contesting the upcoming local elections in May.

Having been elected into the Erne West ward back in 2019, Councillor McCaffrey became the youngest ever Vice-Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council at the age of 25 in 2021.

In a statement to The Impartial Reporter, Councillor McCaffrey said that while this decision may come as a surprise to some, he has described his time in the Council as “a truly wonderful four years” despite the challenges.

“I am privileged to have been trusted enough to represent my local area, where I grew up in, and to have been in the position to help other people.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of the people, and I want to express my deep gratitude to you all.”

Councillor McCaffrey paid tribute to the Erne West communities for their support in electing him in 2019, as well as his Council and party colleagues and Barry Doherty, who Councillor McCaffrey succeeded.

Looking back over his time in the Council, he said: “In these four years, we overcame emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic, secured long-awaited funding for improvements to the A509 Road at Derryhawlaght, delivered two new Council policies on the Irish language and climate change, protected local community interests, and secured funding for community groups and projects.

“I was also deeply honoured to serve as the youngest ever Vice-Chair of the Council at age 25, which is an experience that I will never forget.”

And while he is stepping back from frontline politics, Councillor McCaffrey stressed it is not the end of his time in politics.

“Lastly, I am not closing the door on politics – this is something I would like to do again if I am lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity.

“I am a proud Irish citizen and I will continue to work and campaign for Irish unity, which I care passionately about; for the promotion of the Irish language and culture, and equal rights and inclusion for all.”

He also encouraged more people to “get involved in politics, both young and old, to make their voices heard on issues they care about and to get involved in their communities, and to be proud of where we come from and of our Irish language”.

“There are still massive challenges which need to be faced, such as the current SWAH catastrophe and economic crisis, and I will continue to fight on these issues and to represent my native Fermanagh however I can.

Expressing his thanks, he added: “Once again, I thank the people of the Erne county for their support, I am indebted to you all. Go raibh rath agus bláth oraibh go léir.”