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 from Lisnaskea and have been a member of Sinn Féin from 14 years of age. I got involved in politics to improve people’s lives and to better our communities. As a young woman, I have first-hand experience of the many challenges that face our society.

Answer 2: One issue that is coming up time and time again is our health and social care system. Many people have been affected by long waiting lists, the lack of care packages for those most in need, the lack of access to GPs and the need for increased mental health services.

The cost of living crisis is putting a serious strain on many families, who were already struggling. Agriculture and the state of our infrastructure in Fermanagh and South Tyrone are also firmly to the fore.

Answer 3: Health will also be a top priority for me in the next Assembly mandate. The minute the election is over, all parties must get the Executive up and going.

My colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, has committed to making health the Executive’s number-one spending priority for the next three years.

We need an Executive that has everyone’s day-to day interests at heart to make that a reality. Sinn Féin is committed to making the Executive work to deliver.

A three-year budget needs to be agreed and implemented as soon as possible. This would mean that each department, particularly Health, will have the financial security to plan ahead over the three-year period, allowing them to identify services that are struggling and to prioritise funding for them.

I also want to ensure that Fermanagh gets a fair and equitable share of investment and resources from Invest NI.

I do not believe enough is done to keep and attract employment in Fermanagh. I welcomed the independent review of Invest NI a number of weeks ago in the Assembly, and noted that they only held four investors’ visits in Fermanagh within a four-year period.

We have many excellent locally-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises within our constituency which employ local people. These businesses must be given their fair share when it comes to economic investment, no matter how rural they are.

Answer 4: All the parties in the Assembly must work together to prioritise the important issues that affect everyone; issues such as health, infrastructure, and jobs must be prioritised by all parties – parties working together can achieve this.

Having fairness and equality at the heart of government will mean residents in Fermanagh and South Tyrone benefitting.

Answer 5: I bring passion and a youthful, progressive attitude and fight to my role as an MLA. I represent everyone, to the very best of my ability, who comes to me with an issue, no matter what the issue may be.

As I grew up and continue to live in an area that is rural, I will be a strong voice for those who have been affected by rural inequality.

Answer 6: I am a part of the new generation of young people that is passionate about bringing about positive and progressive change.

I was born just before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. That has provided me with a unique perspective of politics, as I was lucky enough to grow up in a community that favoured peace.

Most importantly, I am very much community-driven and grassroots-based. Providing a voice and delivering for local people and community clubs and groups is what I take most pride in. I will deliver real change where it matters.