Health Minister Robin Swann awarded Politician of the Year

Health Minister Robin Swann has been awarded Politician of the Year 2022 at the Civility in Politics Awards (CIPA), London.

The CIPA awards celebrate positive politics and encourage thoughtful and reflective public debate. 

Politician of Year is one of four award categories to which the public can nominate.  This year's awards attracted over 200 nominees.

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Minister Swann said: “I am delighted and deeply humbled to win Politician of the Year 2022 alongside Chris Bryant, MP. 

“Someone once said - ‘To lead with civility means you’ve decided as a leader – it’s better to steer away from potential chaos and grow through simplicity by treating those you lead with respect, trust, honesty, effective communication, fairness, support, flexibility, resilience, a positive temperament, and ongoing development and encouragement.’

“I strive to do this on a daily basis.”

Following careful consideration by the panel of judges ‘Politician of the Year’ 2022 was awarded jointly to Health Minister Robin Swann and Chris Bryant, Labour MP.

The judging panel includes people from a wide range of disciplines, including the political and media spheres.

The Minister continued: “I accept this award on behalf of all the health and social care workers in Northern Ireland.  It is they who carry the heavy load every day; it is they who are the real winners of this award.

“It is my pleasure to serve them.”

The winner of Politician of the Year can nominate a charity/charities in their constituency to receive a £3,000 prize.

The charities chosen by the Minister to receive his portion of the prize money are Good Morning Ballymena, Good Morning Ballycastle and Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) Ballymoney. 

The Minister concluded: “I have chosen these charities in recognition of the essential services they provide to the local communities.  Good Morning Ballymena and Good Morning Ballycastle seek to tackle isolation and loneliness in older people.  CAN Ballymoney enables those with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues to realise their potential in work and socially. 

“I have seen at first hand the positive impact each of these organisations has on the people they serve and I wish them well going forward.”

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
2. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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