WITH parties and individuals now jockeying for political position as Northern Ireland prepares to hold Assembly elections soon, there’s a lot to consider for an electorate keen to have their voices heard, but perhaps a little uncertain of where the would-be MLAs stand on a range of issues.

And so, over the coming weeks – starting today – we’ll be looking at the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA candidates running in our area, who were happy to talk to The Impartial Reporter’s Ciarán Flaherty, Jessica Campbell and Victoria Johnston about where they stand on several issues.

Topics

Whether on topics such as the current cost of living and energy crises, to the Northern Ireland Protocol, to ongoing health and education issues and other topics, the candidates across the political board have shared where they stand, and what their vision is for Northern Ireland and our area.

Featuring the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA candidates in no particular order, The Impartial Reporter asked each of them the following questions which arguably matter most, answered opposite, with the other candidates’ answers following in coming weeks.

Finally, no matter where you stand on these issues, and regardless of who you would like to support at the ballot box, please do cast your precious vote when the opportunity arises, and help to make sure that your voice is heard.

Question 1:

Tell voters a bit about yourself – why are you in politics/how long for?

Question 2:

From speaking to people in the constituency, what issues are affecting the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?

Question 3:

What will be the main issues you will be working on, if elected?

Question 4:

How can Stormont work best for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?

Question 5:

What will you bring as an MLA if elected?

Question 6:

Why should people vote for you?

Answer 1: Many people in politics are classified as ‘professional politicians’, having possibly studied a politics degree at university and entered politics at a young age – I’m different, in that I entered politics indirectly.

Although I had a deep interest in politics, I occasionally helped out as a polling agent, but my involvement was limited.

This was due to my work as a farmer, a part-time member of the UDR, involvement in the Loyal Orders, and my interest in sport.

I was approached at a late stage in the run-up to a local government election to put my name forward as a candidate. With some reluctance I did so; although I didn’t get elected first time round, I was smitten to further political involvement.

Answer 2: Like many areas, the health service and availability of health provision is always a significant issue.

The NI Protocol has had a negative impact on many; this is mainly for two reasons – firstly, that businesses or members of the public have encountered frustrating difficulties trying to import goods from Great Britain.

Secondly, the Protocol drives a wedge internally within the United Kingdom, which economically and constitutionally is not positive for Northern Ireland.

Given the rural nature of the constituency, agriculture and the future of farming is pivotal to the future of the constituency.

The economy and education will always feature within society; however, the soaring cost of living has become a major issue for the public.

Answer 3: We need to look at the rebalancing of the economy and workforce; to assist with this, we should make provision for more opportunities for those who have worked in the private sector to help run public and government departments.

I believe this would provide a more balanced public workforce that would understand the private sector better.

I want to build on the positive delivery shown by the National Health Service, along with the medical, nursing, health and care staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Given the current potential danger of energy and food supplies shortages, we need to ensure a fair and reasonable balance for the farming and rural communities.

We must ensure there is further protection and support for innocent victims within our society, whether they are from the terrorist campaigns, or a victim of historical institutional mistreatment.

Answer 4: We need to ensure there is as fair and equal treatment and opportunities for the residents of Fermanagh and South Tyrone as there is for those who live in the east of Northern Ireland, whether that is in relation to job prospects, infrastructure and connectivity, health provision, housing, training or education.

Answer 5: I trust that my political experience would add value to work at the Assembly. As I have in the past, I would be an advocate for the western area of Northern Ireland, and seek equality and fairness for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

I want to ensure that we remember the sacrifice of those who worked to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, and safeguard the memory of the good work they achieved.

Answer 6: Let us, as a union of people, build and develop Northern Ireland together, to create a society that benefits all of us.

It is vital that we invest in our health service; bolster our economy; protect our agriculture, rural and environment sectors; improve educational opportunities, and build a society that we can all be a part of.