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.

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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: I often refer to myself as ‘an accidental activist’; my introduction to politics began in 2015 when I launched a legal challenge against the British Home Office over the right to be accepted as ‘Irish’ under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

I worked on a cross-party basis, gaining support not only in Northern Ireland, but from the Irish government, European Commission, and Congressional leaders on both sides of the US House of Representatives.

Since then, I have continued to consistently work on an all-island basis to further embed women’s voices in peacebuilding and reconciliation, as well as work as a writer and journalist with national and international publications.

I’m entering politics now, as I believe we need more independent voices to break the mould of stagnant politics, and if I want to see more young people enter politics, then I must lead by example.

Answer 2: People want to see the institutions up and running; they want politicians to work together - not against one another.

The two biggest issues I’m hearing raised at the doors are health and heating.

Access to health services, including out-of-hours GPs, continues to be a persistent issue, as is the skyrocketing cost of fuel.

Answer 3: What we need in Fermanagh and South Tyrone is equality of opportunity. If elected, my focus will be directed toward the sectors most impacted by systemic underinvestment.

I’ll be addressing rural imbalances such as the underfunding and under-resourcing of local health services, investment in infrastructure and community development.

I am committed to delivering a modern and inclusive education system with greater investment in music, sport and the arts; improved access to mental health services; and a curriculum that embeds civic studies to give the next generation the tools they need to build a shared future.

Answer 4: The best way forward necessitates setting aside tribal party politics and working on a cross-party basis to deliver real change.

For too long, progress has been hindered by divisive party politics, which invariably prioritises the party first, leaving the people a distant second.

Stormont can work best for Fermanagh and South Tyrone with a set of strong representatives who are committed to making the institutions work by encouraging their fellow representatives to work together.

Answer 5: As a campaigner, I have always worked on a cross-party collaborative basis to deliver for all communities in Northern Ireland.

As an MLA, my work will continue to be guided by the principles of mutual respect and parity of esteem.

I have a proven track record of delivery, and if elected, I will have the added power and ability to deliver for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the ways this community deserves, working with urgency to roll back the decades of neglect to which this constituency’s citizens have already been subject.

Answer 6: I believe that this next election has the potential to significantly disrupt the status quo of Northern politics, and key to achieving the kind of real change this place needs will be independent voices unafraid to push for a progressive, rights-based future.

As an Independent, there’s no party agenda with which to align myself; my sole commitment is to the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

If elected, I will be a tireless champion for the constituency and work endlessly to be a unifying voice for a better future.