Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein.

Q: “How will you improve the health and well-being of vulnerable people?”

A: “The reason we reneged on the Stormont House Agreement was due to the fact it did not do enough for the vulnerable people in our society. Recognising that vulnerable members of society are further marginalised by their disability, efforts should be redoubled to accommodate fully the provision of rights and services for all people, including homeless people, refugees and those suffering from poor mental health. Martina Anderson MEP is a champion of this in the European Parliament and as chair of the Health Committee I worked tirelessly for people suffering from poor mental health.”

Q: “How will stop the 'brain drain' in Fermanagh-south Tyrone?”

A: “Sinn Féin has a vision to make Ireland a sustainable place to work and live, particularly for young people, who are our future. The creation of jobs has been impeded by a number of factors but particularly by the poor quality broadband and transport infrastructure. A cross departmental strategy between the DETI and DEL could have a direct benefit on local economies and put a stop to the brain drain epidemic. As a public rep for Fermanagh South Tyrone for 20 years, have always been a strong voice for business, jobs and protecting SMEs.

An additional aspect of Brain Drain is young people feeling that our society does not represent them adequately. Sinn Féin has been to the fore for pushing for equality for people regardless of race, gender, creed and ensuring all members of society feel that they are valued.”

Q: “How will you sort out the mess of our education system that some blame Sinn Fein for?”

A: “Our non-grammar schools are among the top 35 performing in the north. We saved St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh from closure and the amalgamation of a number of our top performing schools; St.Eugene’s with St Comhgalls and Portora with the Collegiate will result in centres of educational excellence throughout the county, not to mention the success of South West College, which has shown fantastic leadership and forward thinking. I do not call that a mess and therefore Sinn Féin representatives will continue the prioritisation of education not only in Fermanagh South Tyrone, but across the island.”

Q: “How will you help victims of the Troubles, in particular, those who were impacted by the IRA?”

A: “The IRA were not the only group to cause hurt and harm during the conflict, however Sinn Féin has been front and centre in aiding victims from all communities and we will continue to work with individuals, groups and organisations such as Relatives for Justice, Victims and Survivors and the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ). Looking to the past will not help our victims, we need to look to the future, celebrate how far we have come but do not take our eye off where we want to be. However, to achieve this, we need to buy in from people across the political divide.”

Q: “How will you make your party and policies appeal to unionists?”

A: “We are an inclusive party and since 1998 Good Friday Agreement have made a conscious effort to appeal to all sections of society. Through my work as an MP I worked for everyone and as a Minister for Agriculture I built up strong working relationships with unionist farmers. That work has been reflected right across our ministers, for example with Bairbre de Brún during her time as Health Minister. I have no doubt that many of our policies do appeal to unionists and as we grow as a party, these policies will become more relevant to them.”