THE Alliance Party has begun a selection process to co-opt a new councillor to Newry, Mourne and Down Council following the resignation of one of its representatives.
Gregory Bain, a representative for the Slieve Croob district electoral area (DEA), announced he was stepping down from just four months after being elected.
Mr Bain (25), who is from Clough, was the the youngest member of council.
The most likely candidate to fill the vacant position is former councillor Andrew McMurray, who failed to regain a seat in May's election having moved from the Slieve Croob DEA to the Mournes.
"Gregory has indicated his intention to step down from council for personal reasons, and the party is currently going through its internal procedures," an Alliance spokesman said.
Mr Bain told his the Outlook newspaper that he "did not intend to be a councillor long term".
"It was good that I was able to gain the party a seat but I think it would be better for the party to have someone who is fully ready to commit to the role," he said.
"I did enjoy my time on council and helped some people, but it wasn't for me – I didn't have much expectations about the role but it wasn't a negative experience at all."
