Karen McKevitt MLA
Karen McKevitt is an SDLP MLA for South Down. After serving as a councillor for Crotlieve on Newry and Mourne District Council since 2005, she was elected to the Assembly in 2011. Karen is the SDLP’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Spokeswoman and deputy whip.
How did you get involved in politics?
I’ve always had an interest in community affairs and worked with many community groups, but only when I became a parent did I realise the importance that high-powered political decisions had on the welfare of families and children.
I began forming strong opinions on decisions made regarding education, healthcare, provision of local sporting facilities and many others. I describe my politics as ‘around the kitchen table politics’. That’s where it started, and if we as family are discussing or indeed arguing an issue over a cup of tea or dinner, then be assured many families are doing the same.
What are your three main priorities for culture, arts and leisure?
2013 is a big year for Northern Ireland given that Derry is the City of Culture and in August we host the World Police and Fire Games; both events are a real priority for me. They provide a massive opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to the world and give a much-needed boost to the tourism industry.
I will be doing all I can to ensure that both events are a great success and leave a lasting legacy. I take some personal satisfaction that four of the World Police and Fire Games events will be hosted in South Down, something I had campaigned for as a councillor with Newry and Mourne.
Unfortunately, Northern Ireland has made headlines around the world for negative reasons recently and we are reminded of deep divisions that exist within our society. This is why another priority is to maximise the healing powers of the arts, sports and culture so we can ensure that news headlines will be positive and encourage people to visit and consider investing in our beautiful country.
Who inspires you?
I have been inspired by many, from some of our great sporting heroes to local individuals who dedicate their lives to the interests of others through their charity and care work.
On a global stage, two people in particular inspire me. Both are very charismatic, very motivational, contributed enormously to peace in Ireland, extend the hand of friendship to all, and can deliver a 30-minute speech without looking at a piece of paper: Bill Clinton and Mary McAleese.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in America a few years ago and admit that I have a canvas of him on my office wall. Every constituent that sees the picture has a good word to say about him.
As President, Mary built bridges between divided communities and took brave steps to secure peace. She then made history by inviting the Queen to Ireland.
What is unique about South Down?
South Down, ‘Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and, to be honest, even that classification doesn’t do it justice. If you drive the coastal route from Newry to Ardglass, you will experience the most scenic drive anywhere in Ireland: a true tourism paradise.
While there are some modern hotels and delightful B&Bs, the whole area is ripe for tourism investment and offers great opportunities.
We have mountains to wander, seaside resorts and fishing villages to be explored, the finest golf courses for keen golfers and for those who wish to take it easy, we have wonderful views, a wealth of fine eateries and stylish shops for some light, or not so light, retail therapy.
We are becoming the number one place in Northern Ireland for mountain bikers with wonderful trails to explore, so if you have a bike, come to Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, and get in on the action.
What have been your main achievements since your election?
My main achievement since being elected MLA has been establishing a professional constituency office, which is delivering for my constituents in South Down. It gives me a real sense of satisfaction when problems presented by several hundred callers are satisfactorily resolved.
The people of South Down and Cooley have campaigned for a bridge at Narrow Water since the early 1970s. The Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) recently confirmed funding for the bridge and the news has been widely celebrated. I am so proud to be part of the team that championed the proposal. The area needs infrastructural projects to create work for engineers, builders and those involved in tourism development.
As SDLP spokesperson for Culture, Arts and Leisure, I challenged the decision to dramatically cut the opening hours of our libraries. I brought a motion to the Assembly and thoroughly scrutinised the consultation process. I was delighted when Libraries NI announced revised opening hours with much less dramatic cuts and consider this a significant achievement.
What do you do to relax in your free time?
I enjoy just spending time with my family. I have two sons and three daughters so my husband and I just savour the opportunity to have some quality family time together. I also like swimming and reading.
