Another candidate hoping to draw local support has thrown their hat into the ring for the upcoming 2022 Assembly elections.

The Green Party NI has selected Belfast based-Kellie Turtle to contest the election for Fermanagh and South wTyrone.

In a statement, Kellie said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the Green Party NI (GPNI) candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

“Being a candidate who does not live in the constituency is never an ideal situation for anyone, especially not in a grassroots party like ours.

“So I wanted to say a few words about who I am, and what I hope to offer the hardworking local members of GPNI in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency group.

“I have been a member of the GPNI for around 10 years, and live in Belfast. I have two children aged ten and six and my husband is from just outside Enniskillen.

“Having a strong connection to the west of the country through my network of family and friends, I am committed to listening to and supporting the work of local people to advance Green politics and represent the needs of local people.”

Speaking of her interests, Kellie said: “I have been a community activist and campaigner for many years in the women’s sector and have a particular interest in progressing equality, human rights, access to services and an end to the austerity policies that have pushed too many people into poverty.

“The last two years have been tough for smaller parties like ours, and while not every constituency group is in a position to field a local candidate, we are coming together as a party to support each other and ensure that every voter in Northern Ireland has the opportunity to vote Green.”

Kellie continued: “Communities in Fermanagh and South Tyrone are living with the reality of some of the most pertinent Green issues currently facing the country.

“Fracking, mining, water quality, sustainable transport networks and support for rural communities in making a just transition towards achieving climate and biodiversity targets are all priorities for GPNI, and people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone need to have their voices heard.”

Kellie concluded: “In the coming weeks and months, I aim to support the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Greens in their ongoing work to mobilise local people, and my role will be to amplify their voices.”