The local Ulster Unionist Association has weighed in on speculation regarding a candidate for the upcoming general election and have continued to endorse Diana Armstrong as the Ulster Unionist candidate for the election. 

It comes as speculation mounts on whether a unionist unity candidate can be fielded for the election, a move which is backed by the DUP and TUV. 

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone Unionist Asssocation state that UUP candidate, Councillor Diana Armstrong can "unite the constituency" and express concerns over "the potential of Fermanagh and South Tyrone being gifted to those who do not provide representation in Westminster". 

A statement released to the media from the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Unionist Association said: "There are those who, election after election, shout that unity candidates are the only way forward to preserve the union. Normally the political parties who champion this do so for seats where they believe their party can never win.

The spokesperson said that  "others have failed to continue" engagement around a cooperative approach in Fermanagh South Tyrone and North Belfast.

"Ulster Unionist Party representatives had engaged with other unionist representatives to seek opportunities for a cooperative approach in a number of areas at this election in recent weeks, regrettably others failed to continue this engagement. We had hoped this would provide positive solutions in a number of areas including Fermanagh & South Tyrone and North Belfast."

The statement continued: "The Ulster Unionist Party have tried to see this from the wider unionist perspective and still believe that Fermanagh and South Tyrone has a Westminster candidate in Diana Armstrong that can unite the constituency, can stand on strong principles and a proven foundation of hard work, she promotes the benefits of the Union, opposes any barriers that impede the strength of the entire United Kingdom and is certainly a good unionist with a positive perspective for Fermanagh & South Tyrone.  

"It is important that we do not undermine the potential of Fermanagh and South Tyrone being gifted to those who do not provide representation in Westminster, without a real prospect of regaining the seat for unionism.

The statement concluded: "Diana Armstrong provides the best prospect of returning representation to Westminster for Fermanagh & South Tyrone."