The Green Party has welcomed the short listing of their European election candidate Steven Agnew for the annual Slugger O’Toole Awards in the category of ‘Up and Coming Politician of the Year’.

Agnew received 15,674 votes in the recent European elections more than three times the Green Party vote in the same elections in 2004 and their single biggest Green Party vote across Northern Ireland.

Welcoming his nomination Green Party Assembly member Brian Wilson said: “Steven Agnew’s arrival onto the political scene during the European election really boosted the Green Party.  He managed to treble the Green Party vote and it is good that he is being recognised. He epitomises the new political thinking that is establishing itself in Northern Ireland.  Rather than mimicking those who have gone before him, he dares to be different.  Steven Agnew is the first generation of Northern Ireland’s post conflict political class and that should give everyone a lot of confidence for the future.”

Reacting to his nomination Mr. Agnew said: “The European election campaign involved a lot of hard work and it is nice that this has been recognised with this nomination.  I was delighted that I was able to increase the Green Party vote and to win this award would be the icing on the cake.”

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