A LOCAL candidate is hoping that Aontú's pro-life stance will convince Unionist voters to defect to the 32-county all-Ireland Republican party. 

Carl Duffy, from Enniskillen, is set to contest his first election in July, and said that he is "cautiously optimistic" that he will poll well. 

Mr. Duffy, who was travelling in Hong Kong when he was interviewed, feels that his party's stance on abortion could see the party perform well, and even win Unionist votes.

"One of the main things that sets Aontú apart is our pro-life stance," said Mr. Duffy, who had a background as a freelance journalist.  

"We are of the position that all life is sacred, and we don't believe in having abortions or extreme euthanasia. 

"When we look at other elections such as the assembly election, some Unionist parties have shown second preference votes for us, because of alignment on the pro-life issue."

Mr. Duffy added that he is "pro-life in every instance", and that he believes "over 30 per cent" of people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone are of the same opinion. 

However, when asked if he felt he would be elected in July, Mr. Duffy said that it is "unrealistic". 

"We didn't stand in Westminster last time, and as far as I know the two parties had a vote of 20,000 each," he said. 

"With this considered I don't think it's a realistic goal to get something similar. But, we can certainly boost the profile of the party, and see what kind of appetite there is for a party like Aontú.

"There can always be an upset in an election, but realistically I am not sure."

When asked to elaborate on his party's plans for a United Ireland, Mr. Duffy said that Aontú aims to "change the centre of power away from Westminster" by giving Northern MPs "speaking rights". 

This, he argues, will promote inclusivity within a 32-county Irish republic. 

When asked how he would achieve this by becoming a Westminster MP himself, Mr. Duffy said: "We are an abstentionist party, so if I was elected I would not be taking my seat."

When asked if he could represent the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone without sitting in Westminster, he responded:  "Yes, I wouldn't be sitting in the House of Commons, but I don't feel that is the extent of the power that an MP has.

"I think there is a lot you can do with your profile to raise awareness of issues. There's a lot you can do with that profile, such as holding constituency surgeries."

Mr. Duffy was then asked to outline why a traditional Unionist voter should change their vote Aontú, aside from a firm stance on abortion. 

"I would say that if the number one thing a voter supports is the union, we wouldn't be the correct party," he said.  

"But, if they are open to the idea of a fully inclusive 32-county Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, maybe they could become sympathetic to our inclusive vision of a non-sectarian Ireland."

Mr. Duffy was also asked if he felt he was missing out on valuable campaigning time by travelling in Hong Kong in the run-up to an election. 

"I do feel I have missed out a little bit having been gone for a few days," said Mr. Duffy, who returned from his travels yesterday (Wednesday). 

"This said, the moment I am back, myself (and my team) are going to be campaigning as much as (we) can."

Mr. Duffy added: "I am cautiously optimistic. We (Aontú) can do a lot better than expected."