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 am 34 and live in Tyrone, but work in Enniskillen. I am fortunate enough to be married to a local vet and have two amazing boys. In addition to the above, I am very fortunate to be the Alliance Party candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the forthcoming Assembly election.

I got involved in politics when my second boy was born, as I looked around for what my political representatives stood for, and bar a few exceptions, I was not impressed.

Answer 2: Waiting lists, the cost of living with the added rural taxes, and the uncertainty surrounding the events taking place between Ukraine and Russia have all been mentioned by those I have spoken to.

Also, the nonsense coming from the political establishment – the people are fed up with it; they want politicians they can be proud of and politicians they can relate to.

Answer 3: Introducing mechanisms to rural-proof new laws introduced into Northern Ireland, increasing public transport choice, protecting rural healthcare whilst helping healthcare reform.

Bringing jobs to Fermanagh and South Tyrone, and gambling reform, would be top of the wish list right now.

The more I learn from constituents, the more likely this list is to change as, after all, it is the people of the Fermanagh and South Tyrone that I serve.

Answer 4: Stormont will work best for everyone in Fermanagh and South Tyrone if we elect five people that will work together for the greater good; five people that will stand up and fight for voters and their loved ones. If we don’t do this, we will always get what we have always had.

Answer 5: If fortunate enough to be an MLA, voters will get a fighter whose only concern is making this place better for all of us.

They will get an MLA they can confide in; an MLA they can trust; and an MLA who will always have their back.

They will also get an MLA that will always listen. I want to know what voters think.

Answer 6: People should vote for the candidate they believe in, the candidate that they know will stand up and go into battle for them and/or their loved ones, should it be needed.

That candidate should get your number-one vote, and I would like that to be me. I have worked very hard since 2019 to be that person, but no matter what happens when all the votes are counted, I will still be here the day after, fighting for everyone in Enniskillen and beyond – that will never change.