Photograph shows the Down District Fairtrade Committee, joined by local councillors, handing the proposed motion into the Down District Council. From left to right are Green Party Cllr Cadogan Enright, William McCulla, Director at Down District Council, Fairtrade Committee members Emma Whitehead, Brenda Cooke & Adelle Corry and Cllr Robert Burgess of the UUP.

This article has been uploaded on behalf of the Down District Fairtrade Committee.

The Down District Fairtrade Committee have handed in a motion to the Down District Council last week as part of its activities for “Fairtrade Fortnight”.

The motion will be proposed to local councillors by Cllr Cadogan Enright of the Green Party and Cllr Robert Burgess of the UUP.

Down District Fairtrade Activist Emma Whitehead said, “This motion will ensure that the Down District Council is committed to sustainable development both locally and globally through its support of the Fairtrade Foundation in helping to improve the quality of life for people in less developed countries.”

“Fairtrade initiatives provide a key tool for tackling poverty and environmental damage in the developing world and so it is important we promote the use of Fairtrade products in the Down District area,” Concluded Emma Whitehead.

Cllr Cadogan Enright said, “I have been enthusiastically following the work of the local Fairtrade Committee and look forward to proposing this motion at council. I have already confirmed support for the motion from Cllr Anne MacAleenan from the SDLP, Cllr Jim Wells MLA of the DUP and Cllr Willie Clarke MLA of Sinn Fein.”

Cllr Robert Burgess said, “I was delighted to hear that the management team at the council has already signed up to the Down District Fairtrade directory and have been buying Fairtrade tea and coffee for some considerable time. The Fairtrade movement is making a serious difference to people in developing and third world countries and this is why I am supporting this motion and the work of the Fairtrade committee.”

Fairtrade Activist Emma Whitehead said, “If anyone would like to get involved in the campaign please send us an email at downpatrickfairtrade@gmail.com

Press Cuttings: Fairtrade fortnight