ROSEMARY Barton has been selected to replace Diana Armstrong as Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Councillor for Erne North.

Councillor Barton will now sit on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council following the co-option of Diana Armstrong to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A former MLA, Councillor Barton failed to be re-elected in the 2022 assembly election.

She then briefly served as a Councillor for the Mid Tyrone electoral area following the retirement of veteran UUP Councillor, Bert Wilson, but was not re-elected during the local government election in 2023. 

A UUP spokesman said: “We’re pleased to announce and welcome back Rosemary Barton to the Council team. Rosemary brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication as a former MLA that will be a valuable asset to our team.

"We look forward to working alongside her to continue representing the interests of our community and delivering positive results for the people of Erne North. "

Speaking on her selection, Councillor Barton said: “I look forward to working with and supporting the electorate of Erne North once again and using every opportunity to help overcome the increasing daily challenges in the area. 

“While this is a rural area with an economy based around agricultural and the environment, it is also an area of great beauty so efforts to increase tourism in North Fermanagh must be to the mutual benefit of all. 

"Working with Fermanagh and Omagh Council to help regenerate the village communities and economy throughout the area is a task I believe will have to be given priority in the very near future, along with the issues around the local hospital and deteriorating roads infrastructure.

“My thanks to Diana Armstrong for the great help and support she was to the Erne North electorate, a councillor who was always willing to 'rise to the challenge' whether that be in the Council Chamber or dealing with general issues of concern.

"I wish her well as she takes up the mantle of MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone."