General election: Derrylin voters have their say on issues

On a rainy afternoon at the end of June, the Impartial Reporter hit the busy streets of Derrylin to gauge voter's opinions on what they expect of their incoming MP.

Passers-by were asked about the issues impacting them; if they felt things will change for the better after the election; and if they plan to vote. 

Responses ranged from optimism, indifference, and even anger at the current state of politics in Northern Ireland.

"Whoever gets voted in, it won't make a difference!" exclaimed Derrylin man, Michael Curran. 

"Where would you start? The health service needs sorting, the cost of living is through the roof," he continued. 

When asked if he felt the new MP will come good on their promises after the election, Mr. Curran bluntly replied "No". 

He did, however, indicate that he plans to vote on July 4.

Meanwhile, Caroline Curran agreed that issues such as healthcare and the cost-of-living are the most pressing for politicians, but laughed at the suggestion that the "status quo" will be broken after the election.

Derrylin man, Frances Carron, said he isn't confident that canvassing politicians will keep their promises.

"They promise different things, but in a way, they all say the same things," he said.  "It's a copycat job at the end of the day."

Mr. Carron continued: "Health is the most important thing for them to look at. It's been an ongoing thing. I will still go out to vote."

Local father, Paul Shannon, says Fermanagh and South Tyrone's new MP must bring investment to the area. 

"The state of the roads is woeful," he said. "There's no spending on anything infrastructure-related. They [politicians] need to inject money into projects to get things moving. 

"I work in Mannok, and only for English work, there is nothing here in the North. Anything we make is being exported to England.

"The A5 isn't coming off. The bypass isn't coming off. Something needs to be done."

When asked if he felt anything will change following the election, Mr. Shannon said: "We hope there will be changes, but realistically there won't be. I will still go out to vote." 

Another Derrylin man, who didn't wish to be named, is of the view that Fermanagh has been "forgotten" by politicians. 

"It's hard to know what they could do to make things better," he said. 

"Many of the pledges don't materialise. Education is very important, especially in Fermanagh. Health is another issue, with waiting lists getting bigger every year."

He continued: "Once you go to Ballygawley, we are forgotten about. Fermanagh is the forgotten county.

"I will be out to vote in July. It's important to vote."

It also appears that the upcoming general election has incited the interest of individuals from across the Border.

Anthony O'Hanlon, a Belfast native who now lives in Co. Cavan, said he will be following the election closely.

"I feel it is important to keep a handle on politics in Northern Ireland because it has an impact on us across the Border," he said.

"The cost of living is probably the most important issue for anyone at the moment. People used to go from Cavan to Enniskillen to do their weekly shop, but prices have risen dramatically so people have stopped doing that. This stifles the cross-Border economy."

Mr. O'Hanlon added: "I feel more young people should be interested in politics, as it impacts us all. 

"Some are stuck in their ways, so it's important that the younger generation is heard to bring a new perspective to things."