“You may either win your peace or buy it: win it, by resistance to evil; buy it, by compromise with evil.” John Ruskin

Councillor John Montgomery

It is a real honour to serve this proud Borough of North Down as a Councillor, I never cease to be amazed at the diversity and quality of the various organisations or societies who week after week faithfully serve their chosen cause or pursuit and thereby contribute so much to the well being and character of our Borough. I see myself as uncompromisingly British but recognise that being British transcends colour, class or creed.

Currently as a member of the Transition Committee I am enjoying working with Ards councillors to put into place the necessary arrangements which will join our two Boroughs. This process will continue until 2011.

Much has been achieved in the Borough  recently such as the opening of the new waste transfer station, recycling centre, walled garden and the wind turbine. There is however, a lot of work yet to be done not least on Queens Parade. Other issues needing attention are the ever persistent dog nuisance issues, graffiti  and crime particularly against the person. 

The current economic downturn means our town traders need all the support they can get, which neatly crosses onto planning concerns where planners seem determined to rip the heart out of areas such as High Street by allowing conversion of shops to hot food premises. In general Planners seem to concern themselves with the needs of large developers and ignore local concern even when hundreds of residents make their feeling clear. 

I believe that working people are the forgotten majority and whilst respecting the needs of disadvantaged or special interest groups I believe that working people also have rights. They  are after all the source of the much sought after funding and I believe are continually under attack as the funding requirements of other groups become ever more demanding. This is especially so for the near benefit sector. 

Help for Heroes
Ulster Cancer Foundation