A FORMER Councillor from Enniskillen has been selected to stand in the upcoming general election. 

Paul Blake previously served as an SDLP Councillor for the Enniskillen, but was eliminated in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council election in May of last year. 

He will again stand for the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Fermanagh and South Tyrone as voters prepare for the polls in July.  

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter this week, Mr. Blake said he is seeking to address what he described as "unfinished business" within politics. 

"I was a former councillor who lost his seat in May last year; I have kept a keen interest since," he said. "I feel that there is still some unfinished business in terms of politics, and I feel that there are a lot of issues that aren't being addressed. 

"For that reason, I want to be able to get back to being involved, and am pursuing this election as an opportunity to keep things (local issues) on the agenda."

Mr. Blake said that key issues within Fermanagh include services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), a lack of jobs, and sub-par infrastructure. 

He added that he feels Fermanagh has been "neglected" by the government.

"I want to see I want to see Fermanagh as a prominent place once again," he said. "We have seen that we are very much the forgotten neighbours and I want to continue to highlight the issues of Fermanagh going forward. 

"I will continue my ambition that Fermanagh will always be front and centre."

Mr. Blake concluded: "We (the SDLP) stand in a good position, and we already have two MPs working hard on behalf of their communities. 

"We will take our seats, we are non-sectarian, and we will represent everyone in the community. We have a sound vision, and it is my ambition to see Fermanagh represented. 

"For years we haven't been represented at Westminster. This has to change."