Ulster Unionist candidate Councillor Diana Armstrong was on home turf in more ways than one when she hit the doors with her team of canvassers in Ballinamallard on Tuesday afternoon.
She lives near the village and will cast her vote on May 4 in the polling station in Ballinamallard, where the last Ulster Unionist MP, Tom Elliott, also cast his vote.
That was arguably a home advantage, as she currently serves as a councillor for the Erne North area.
Mrs. Armstrong received a warm welcome as The Impartial Reporter shadowed her canvassing around the area.
Pointing to a house that had previously suffered from water damage, she said: “We helped get the kitchen replaced there.”
In Chestnut Grove, Mrs. Armstrong and her team split up in various directions.
Among them was David Pierce, who travelled from the Upper Bann constituency to join in on the Ulster Unionist canvas in Fermanagh South Tyrone.
As they had a group photo taken, they marvelled at one garden behind them and its neat edging.
Making his way up the avenue, a young man on Mrs. Armstrong's team was heard laughing: “We know where your vote is going anyway,” as he handed out election literature.
Moving on, and receiving literature from Mrs. Armstrong on his doorstep was Brian Johnston.
When asked: "What do you want from your MP?", he thought for a moment and replied that he wants elected representatives to deal with local issues.
“Housing and the cost of living is a big thing.”
Councillor Robert Irvine, who was out on the canvas alongside volunteers, chimed in: “Proper representation. The way you represent as an MP is to promote views in the Chamber and on a committee.”
The canvassing team worked their way around the area, many people opening their door to receive leaflets, with few signs of discontent.
Mrs. Armstrong revealed one person was aggressive in his tone on the doors when she was out canvassing the previous day, and noted that there can be safety concerns, as a woman out canvassing an area.
Continuing on with the area's canvas, the team's election vehicle and its election branding had a gentle hum as it pulled into Westminister Court, where Mrs. Armstrong and her team headed off in different directions.
However, all was quiet in this location, with most doors knocked on going answered. Mrs. Armstrong noted: “A lot of people are working.”
Westminister Court is yet to be formally adopted by the Council, and the issue of unadopted developments was one issue raised on the doors.
Jason Cluff pointed out that the only issue he’d like to see sorted is the adoption of the development.
“There was the issue with these houses to be resurfaced, but that’s fixed now.
“I spoke to you last year about that when you were around,” he told Mrs. Armstrong, who replied: “There is no point putting a nice development in with no utilities, but this will be adopted in due course.”
Mr. Cluff admitted that he isn’t that interested in politics. “Honestly, I am not really into politics. I live a simple life.”
On the way out, in hushed tones, one canvasser noted someone had refused a leaflet, and didn’t give a reason why.
However, this didn't faze the canvassing team, who continued on to their next destination.
Over in Ballagh Gardens, Janet McKinley spotted Mrs. Armstrong through her window, and waved before coming to the door.
“You will have my vote, so you have no problems, don’t worry about that,” she assured Mrs. Armstrong with a beaming smile, then saying that healthcare is the issue she cares about.
Ms. McKinley told Mrs. Armstrong that she is going to be waiting more than seven years for an operation.
At the end of the pair's conversation, Ms. McKinley was thanked for her time, with Mrs. Armstrong apologising for the disruption, hearing back: “You’re not disturbing me at all!”
The canvas will continue for the Ulster Unionists who have hit many of the towns and villages across the constituency, with other parties and their election hopefuls also knocking on doors up all across the region.
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