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.

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 have literally just gone into politics, from a place of frustration at empty promises and party tantrums, while we, the people, suffer the consequences.

Answer 2: A lack of representation – every election, politicians come for the vote with all these promises – and then nothing.

People don’t want much; they just want to get on with life, have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, a good job with good pay, safety and freedom to raise children, or to not raise children.

People don’t want drama – they want a peaceful existence; that is most of the consensus.

However, because of political parties, there is division, there is fighting, and a stagnant economy. It has been like this since the Nineties, and before.

[The majority of] people actually voted against Brexit in Northern Ireland, so if these parties are truly for the people, they would fight against Brexit, but the parties are so far up either Westminster or Dublin’s bottom that we have become fodder to be used in their narrative!

For Fermanagh and South Tyrone, v. I want to create crisis centres for women and children; I want to create mental health venues. We have to look after our elderly, but we also need to look after our children.

Answer 3: I would like to create bike lanes specifically for bike riders, create bigger footpaths. I’d like to make my constituency business-friendly; ie, that it would be easier to start up businesses, and try to cut through red tape.

I want to introduce a work scheme for those on benefits.

But essentially, I want to make towns easier for our elderly, introduce aftercare for children up to the age of 12. Opening mental health venues would also be a very important issue to work on.

Answer 4: By giving the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone a voice; to represent the people, not the narrative.

Stormont needs to stop with temper tantrums and start really caring about what the people want.

It is easy to say “I will do this or that”, but what do the majority of the people want? True democracy is about the representation of the people.

Answer 5: I will bring a voice for the people. I am not governed by party politics, so I am free to fight for the people.

Answer 6: Because real change is not with the status quo – real change is with the people. I will truly represent the people.