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: Politics is something that has interested me from a young age, nurtured by my enjoyment of History at school, and my father’s dedication to listening to the nightly news round-up.

Living in South Fermanagh during some of the most horrific years of The Troubles also had a profound influence on my political views.

I am a relative newcomer to the political field, becoming a councillor in 2011, following a career in teaching, and being elected as an MLA in 2016.

Answer 2: The most prevalent issue is the rapid increase in the cost of living, and the exorbitant price of fuel, leading to concerns about wages not keeping pace with inflation, just when people were looking forward to moving on from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking with the business community, [I’ve noted] the difficulty in sourcing products; some suppliers had stopped supplying Northern Ireland because of the difficulty with the NI Protocol and agricultural produce, and the paperwork involved and the extra cost to goods that this generated.

The cost of shipping was also a concern, and the knock-on effect.

Answer 3: Within the Agricultural community, the war in Ukraine and the future effect that a shortage of grain may have, together with the increased price of fertilizers has caused concern. Again, there were many questions on the Health Service, including the return of services to pre-pandemic level, and requests for more face-to-face consultations with GPs.

Answer 4: The most immediate issue to work on will be the cost of living crisis, followed by the rebuilding of the Health Service.

[Further issues range from] an adequate number of medical health professionals to reducing the waiting lists for consultations and surgery.

Another priority will include lobbying for sustainable school budgets to tackle educational underachievement, together with a much greater focus on early years investment to support children’s development.

Northern Ireland has more people with no or low qualifications than any other part of the UK, so an increased effort is needed to incentivise skills improvement, thus increasing job opportunities and boosting the economy.

There will need to be significant investment in road networks to bring the roads in the west up to an acceptable grade.

Answer 5: If elected, I will continue to ensure that Northern Ireland’s place within the UK remains strong and protected.

I will work towards the removal of the NI Protocol and the fettering of UK trade; greater investment in our health service and mental health services, together with a longer-term focus, is vital for improving the health and wellbeing of the people.

There must be a regionally balanced strategy throughout NI; Fermanagh and South Tyrone must have their equal share of economic development to ensure a vibrant economy for the region and the prospect of good employment opportunities. With the introduction of the Climate Change strategy, I will work to ensure that these reforms support the Agricultural community.

Answer 6: Over these past six years, it has been a privilege and an honour to represent the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the Assembly.

I would appreciate the opportunity to represent and serve voters for a full mandate to improve the wellbeing, education and economy of the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.