Sean Rogers, MLA

Sean Rogers
MLA for South Down
Spokesperson on Education
SDLP

Biography:Husband and father of five grown up children, 58 year old Mourne man Sean Rogers, is bringing a wealth of life experience with him to the new role, if he is elected as South Down’s MLA. Having battled with Cancer since he was diagnosed back in 2003, he believes he is best equipped in understanding the importance of good health care on your doorstep. Underlining the fundamental role good health care played in his return to health, Mr Rogers said: That’s why I’m behind securing a future for Downe Hospital. If it wasn’t for the excellent care I received from the health professionals close to where I live, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The former principal of St Louis’ Grammar School in Kilkeel, takes nothing for granted these days. He added: “My Catholic faith and the love and support from our good friends played an important role too in my recovery. And the recovery of my daughter who fought Leukemia when she was six years of age. “I’m delighted to say she’s now a very healthy and beautiful 24 year old, but it was tough going during those two years. I empathise deeply with the health workers at the Downe Hospital and I will be fully committed to ensuring it’s future through the forthcoming judicial review.” Detailing his position on some of the fundamental SDLP policies, Councillor Rogers added: “We are indebted to the work of both John Hume and Seamus Mallon for the relative political stability we share and I am very thankful for that. “However, I want a little more. There remains more work to be done in this area and in achieving economic stability too. “We need to be more proactive in creating jobs, especially for young people. As a family man, I know what it’s like to bring up a family in these times. Most of my children had to seek work across the water and this is an issue which affects families living everywhere, not just Castlewellan, Newcastle, Loughinisland or Downpatrick. “If Northern Ireland continues on this vein, there won’t be any young people left to take over the reigns in a few years. We need to urgently look at creating opportunity here in South and East Down together.” Outlining his connections with the people of this area, Councillor Rogers simply said: “My links in South Down are well known throughout the area. The difficulties affecting the fishermen in Ardglass are the same trials the fishermen in Kilkeel are experiencing. And I can relate only too well to these issues. “I will be doing all I can to sustain livelihoods in all sectors as it is the only way to grow prosperity and create economic stability here and build on the great work of our outgoing former leader, Margaret Ritchie.”