The proposed changes to the constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone (FST) by the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland (BCNI) have been labelled as “farcical” and “change for the sake of change” by Unionist MLAs.
The BCNI published its initial proposals for new UK Parliamentary constituency boundaries in Northern Ireland last week, with an eight week public consultation now open for members of the public, political parties and wider civic society to share their views on the proposals.
The new proposals would see the constituency of FST change in make up if passed however, there is no proposed change of name.
The existing constituency has an electorate of 72,945 while the proposed constituency would have an electorate of 71,255.
‘Farcical’
DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine has branded the proposals published as “farcical”.
“Whilst I am glad that the title of Fermanagh and South Tyrone will be retained the proposals currently on the table, which would take effect in 2023 are nonsensical,” Mrs. Erskine said. “It would effectively see wards of Dungannon such as Killyman and Moygashel shifted to Mid Ulster and yet, Loughgall would become part of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Areas such as Killyman and Moygashel have a natural affinity with South Tyrone and therefore these proposals geographically are odd.”
Mrs. Erskine said the changes will cause huge confusion to the electorate and is a worrying concern for Unionists “as it weighs heavily towards one section of the community”, she claims.
“Balance is needed and it is important that constructive comments are provided in this proposed shake up of constituencies. How it may sound on paper, will not work on the ground.
“Effectively Fermanagh and South Tyrone will represent three Council areas, which furthermore shows the geographical spread, of this large constituency. However these proposals are farcical.
“I know my Party will be digesting the proposals and will be making a full response in time. However, I would also encourage the public to make their views known to the Boundary Commission during the consultation period.”
Changes to the constituency would see the ward of Loughall, which is split between FST and Newry and Armagh, being fully aligned with FST while the whole ward of Blackwatertown would be transferred from Newry and Armagh to FST.
The proposed changed would also see the split wards of Ballygawley and Castlecaulfield being aligned with FST.
On the other side of it the proposals in considering the need to satisfy the statutory electorate range and balancing factors, in particular being mindful of dividing up constituencies across built up areas such as Dungannon, the split wards of Killyman and Killymeal would be moved from FST to Mid Ulster.
The full wards of Ballysaggart, Moygashel and Mullaghmore would also be transferred to Mid Ulster while The Birches ward which is currently split between Upper Bann and FST would be aligned within Upper Bann.
Ulster Unionist MLA, Rosemary Barton, was also sceptical of the proposed changes, describing them as “change for the sake of change”.
“It is acknowledged within the Boundary Commission report that electorate numbers within the constituency are within the statutory electorate range, but then make significant proposed changes that remove the urban centre of Dungannon and surrounding area out of the constituency and elongate it further to the edge of the cities of Armagh and Craigavon.
“If this plan goes ahead the constituency will run from Garrison village in Fermanagh, right to the edge of Armagh City and Portadown, taking in large rural areas, while bypassing Dungannon town, one of only two larger towns located within the constituency.
“It appears to be a poorly thought out proposal in relation to Fermanagh and South Tyrone, particularly given that it already was within the required electorate range.
“While these proposals are only published I will consider them in more detail and make representation,” added Mrs. Barton.
Sinn Féin and the SDLP when contacted for comment on the proposed changes, both said they are considering the proposals and once completed they will issue a response.
Representations from individuals or organisations can be made to the Commission in writing up until December 15, 2021.
You can submit your response online at https://tinyurl.com/hrmchpzv or email review@boundarycomission.org.uk or write at Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland, The Bungalow, Stormont House, Stormont Estate, Belfast BT43SH.
Maps which accompany the report are available at https://tinyurl.com/ysva3yz4
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