THE Traditional Unionist Voice in Fermanagh-south Tyrone will contest the general election next year by fielding a candidate, The Impartial Reporter can reveal.

It is understood that either Alex Elliott or Donald Crawford, both of whom failed to win seats when they stood in previous elections, will be selected by the party to stand in the Westminster election.

The move will likely upset the Ulster Unionist Party and Democratic Unionist Party who have been meeting to discuss proposals for a unionist pact to oust Sinn Fein from Westminster.

“Our preferred option is to have an agreed candidate for unionism because we want to see representation in the west of the province,” said the DUP’s Arlene Foster this week, suggesting that an agreement should be reached for all unionists, which presumably includes the TUV.

No decision has been made on a unionist pact between the DUP and UUP yet, though discussions are continuing.

However, the move by the TUV to join the race would indicate that unionists here are anything but united ahead of next year’s general election.

Ballinamallard man Alex Elliott, a cousin of Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, ran in the Assembly election in 2011 and the council election earlier this year.

Donald Crawford, from Lisbellaw, also stood for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council back in May.

A decision on whether Mr. Elliott or Mr. Crawford will run is expected to be made in January when the TUV hold its selection meeting.

Neither Mr. Elliott or Mr. Crawford would comment on the topic when questioned by The Impartial Reporter.