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: I first got involved in politics because I wanted to help improve my local community and defend workers’ rights.

I became a trade union rep and was inspired to get involved in the fight against services being cut from the South West Acute Hospital.

During this period I worked alongside the representatives of a number of political parties, and after seeing how the SDLP really cared about local people and the issues affecting them, I realised this was the party for me.

I was first elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, representing Erne West, in 2019, and I also served as the SDLP’s Westminster candidate in Fermanagh and South Tyrone that December.

Answer 2: As a teacher I am acutely aware of the issues impacting our local communities. Every day, I see the challenges that exist in our education system.

Despite the best efforts of our staff and the hard work of parents and volunteers, students still suffer because of a lack of investment and vision from a long line of Education Ministers and the Department.

In the community and on the doors, there is only one issue dominating the conversation. People’s main concern is the soaring cost of food, fuel and energy bills. It is impacting everyone, from people on welfare to working families and pensioners.

We are seeing situations where people who are working 40 hours a week are unable to heat their home, put food on the table or fuel in their car.

People are feeling really let down, and the support from the Executive has been totally inadequate.

Answer 3: There are a number of issues that require immediate attention – our huge health waiting lists, poor digital connectivity, the impact of Brexit, the climate crisis and huge childcare costs, but at the minute people are struggling to get by from week to week and that is what’s dominating their thoughts.

As an MLA, my priorities would be bringing the issues impacting our local community into the Assembly.

I would fight to protect local healthcare services and increase GP provision in rural areas, to address the digital deficit and work to step up our efforts to tackle the climate crisis, while ensuring a just transition for rural areas.

Answer 4: If we want Stormont to deliver for people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, then we need to prioritise the issues that matter to them, instead of wasting time and energy on the same old battles and petty sectarian squabbles.

Our communities are dealing with real issues and they are looking to MLAs and the Executive for leadership. All too often, they are let down.

The SDLP has already committed itself to using every penny of the £300 million currently doing nothing at Stormont to help struggling families and we have also pledged to introduce a 6 per cent salary increase for nurses and carers.

Answer 5: I want to be an MLA that delivers for people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. For far too long we have had parties that put their own interests ahead of our communities, and people are suffering as a result.

We’ve had 15 years of Sinn Féin and the DUP leading our Executive – we had an MLA from this constituency serving as First Minister, and have very little to show for it.

Answer 6: I’m determined to be an MLA that puts people first and drives real change that will benefit our communities.

We cannot continue to vote for the same politicians who have delivered nothing, and expect a different result.