Eddie Roofe has been announced as the Alliance Party’s candidate for Enniskillen DEA in the upcoming election.

Eddie, a pharmacist by profession, has been a party member for a number of years but it was the ongoing crisis in the health service that convinced him to run.

The 32-year-old explained how he became involved with the party in an interview with this newspaper.

He said: “We moved to England for a few years and when I moved back, I joined the party. I would have always been close to the party in my belief it was how politics in Northern Ireland should go.”

The father-of-two said it was a “a big decision to run, but I felt it was the time to run and the Alliance Party do feel this is a great opportunity to get a councillor in Enniskillen”.

Speaking about his decision to run, Eddie said: “Working in healthcare on a daily basis, I have seen the gradual decline of our services due to failures in funding and politics.

“Healthcare should be the number-one priority for politicians, and so I believe it’s important that someone with real-life experience can provide well-needed insight.’

Eddie, a member of the well-known Roofe family in Enniskillen, is proud of his family’s roots in the town and will be hoping to carry on the family tradition of serving the local community.

Speaking about his family’s involvement in the town, Eddie said: “My father Tony has volunteered for many years as a local football coach with Enniskillen Rangers, and my uncle Frankie spent his working life in the Town Hall, and continues to help people learn about the history of our town.

“Family life has instilled in me a strong sense of community and the main reason I chose to work in healthcare was the enjoyment I get from helping people.”

He added: “I am so proud to be from Enniskillen, and I will be working tirelessly to improve the town in any way I can.”

Following Alliance’s strong showing in the Assembly elections last year, the party are aiming to increase their representation on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Having more than doubled their vote in Fermanagh, Eddie is hoping to make history as the first ever Alliance councillor to be elected in the county.

He said: “Enniskillen has long been a town with a strong cross-community ethos, so I believe it’s time that was reflected at the ballot box.

“To be the first Alliance councillor ever in Fermanagh would be a tremendous honour, and shows the progress the party has made over the past decade.”

Applauding the work of Alliance representative Matt Beaumont, Eddie said: “A special mention should be made to Matt Beaumont, who worked tirelessly for the people of Fermanagh over the past number of years as Alliance’s representative here.

“Thankfully, Matt will continue to campaign for the party, and I’m personally grateful for the support he has given me.”

Currently, one councillor for the Alliance Party serves on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Stephen Donnelly.

Looking forward to the election in May, Eddie said: “I’m looking forward to opening the door to friendly faces!

“I am hoping it is just friendly faces, but I am interested in hearing people’s issues.

“I have always tried to be a problem solver in work, and I’ll try and be that for the people of Enniskillen as well.”

Start your subscription with The Impartial Reporter and get our best value of £52 for one year. That's £1 a week! Or sign up monthly for £4.99. Click here to subscribe