Local firefighter Robbie Butler was selected from a field of three prospective candidates to contest the Lisburn North area of Lisburn Castlereagh Council. Commenting on the selection Lisburn North Councillor Alexander Redpath said: “I am very pleased that Robbie Butler was selected to contest this seat. “Robbie has lived in Lisburn most of his life and raised a family here. He is very aware of the issues affecting local people and he has enthusiasm and fresh ideas to meet these challenges.” Mr Redpath continued: “Robbie brings huge experience to this role having worked as a local butcher followed by several years as a prison officer and most recently as a firefighter. “I believe his years in public service demonstrate his commitment to the local community which he will seek to lead. “Robbie Butler has also demonstrated his commitment to the people of Lisburn through his service to his church and his local school PTA,” he added. Former Lisburn Mayor Ronnie Crawford also commented: “I am delighted that the Ulster Unionists have selected Robbie Butler to replace my candidature in Lisburn North. “Robbie is a delightful fellow, a pillar of the Elim Church, a local BB officer and a senior member of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. “He was brought up in Milltown and lived for ten years on the Low Road. Robbie is a great candidate who has my total support. With Robbie Butler and Brian Bloomfield we have a great team in Lisburn North,” concluded Mr Crawford. The local branch of the Ulster Unionist Party had previously revealed its selection for the upcoming elections in May. For the new Lisburn/Castlereagh Council the Party selected Alexander Redpath (Culcavy), Jim Dillon (Culcavy), Brian Bloomfield (Lisburn North), Tim Mitchell (Lisburn South), Roy Hanna (Killultagh), James Baird (Boardmills) and Alex Swan (Boardmills) to contest the local government elections. The Dromore area of Lagan Valley has also selected candidates for seats on Armagh/Banbridge/Craigavon Council, namely Olive Mercer (Banbridge) and Carol Black (Lagan River).