By Lesley Walsh
THE Alliance Party have remained tight-lipped about the decision by former deputy Mayor Hannah Irwin to quit local politics, following last Friday’s shock announcement.
The former councillor departed without explanation, saying only in a statement that she had been honoured to serve her constituents.
Her absence was promptly filled just four days later, by Rosie Quinn, who has worked in local education within the borough throughout her career.
The move has fuelled speculation about the internal dynamics of the borough’s Alliance Party, considering her exit from her seat in the Bangor East and Donaghadee electoral area, marks the fourth member to leave their role as a councillor in less than three years.
Karen Douglas was the first of the four to resign, stepping down in August 2023, with the long-running politician saying goodbye after serving as Mayor the year before Ms Irwin became deputy Mayor. When she left she pledged to continue to back the party.
In October 2024 David Rossiter, who represented Holywood, quit the council and the party, leaving a critical parting shot regarding his frustration that Alliance had ‘not embraced the possibility of a new Ireland’.
His departure coincided with the exit of Christine Creighton who did not reveal her reason for leaving. The move came as a shock however, considering she had topped the poll in her electoral district, also Holywood, when elected only the previous year.
Among the Alliance Party’s youngest rising stars and one of the borough’s youngest deputy Mayors, Ms Irwin donned the chain of office from 2023 to 2024, being appointed to the deputy’s role after only a year following her initial election to the council in 2022.
She was co-opted to replace Connie Egan when she was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in the May 2022 elections.
In the following year’s election, she came second in her district with 17% of the vote, displaying her credentials of possible longevity which have now been cut short.
Describing herself as a ‘young LGBTQ+ woman in politics’, Ms Irwin said she wanted to ‘showcase the progressive and vibrant nature’ of Ards and North Down.
She added her ambitions towards ‘championing openness and transparency, while working towards making Ards and North Down the inclusive area we all know it is’.
Her outlook on social issues took in wider politics, at one time publicly criticising Westminster for vetoing a Scottish law that would have made it much easier for people to change gender.
Ms Irwin declined an interview request by the Spectator but in a statement she failed to outline reasons behind her decision to resign, though she wished the party well.
“It has been my honour to serve the people of Bangor East and Donaghadee as a councillor. While I am stepping back from my role as an elected representative, I remain a great supporter of Alliance and look forward to supporting my colleagues on the ground throughout the next campaign.
“I wish my successor the very best in continuing to serve the people of Bangor East and Donaghadee with the utmost dedication they deserve.”
Her parting remarks are in contrast to the abuse she suffered online, being subjected to ‘unacceptable’ abuse just three days into her appointment in public office.
The experience prompted her to comment on the widespread social media abuse of women in politics.
Revealing the contents of a nasty message, she said at the time: “I was selected to be a councillor just three days ago. Is it any wonder women are apprehensive about getting involved in politics.”
Her predecessor Connie Egan has also spoken out about the vile abuse she has attracted online.
