TRADITIONAL Unionist Voice candidate Alex Elliott submitted his nomination papers in Omagh on Monday pledging to “drain the swamp” at Stormont if he is successful next month.
The term used by Donald Trump during his successful election campaign alludes to the historical draining of swamps to keep mosquito populations low to combat malaria. The term has since been used as a metaphor to describe a desire to ‘drain’ the ‘capitalist swamp’.
“This election is about trust,” Mr. Elliott told Election Files. “Many Unionists voted for the DUP just a few months ago because they believed Arlene Foster offered a fresh start.
“But this election isn’t just about cash for ash. It’s about Republicans seeking to exploit the scandal to further their own agenda.”
Ulster Unionist candidate and former MLA Rosemary Barton was just as critical of Stormont on Tuesday: “Jobs are already in short enough supply in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. How are we supposed to cope with huge budget cuts being forced through by Belfast bureaucrats because of Sinn Fein’s irresponsible behaviour?” she said, referring to the collapse of Stormont.