Election 2015: Candidates' Kitchen Confidential

She was first elected MLA for Fermanagh/South Tyrone in 1998 and successfully retained her seat in the 2003 and 2007 elections. While an MLA, she served as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

She was first elected MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone in June 2001 and was returned as MP in 2005 and again in 2010, defeating unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor by just four votes.

Q. Which party would you back in a coalition situation, Labour or Conservative, and why?

Neither. In the coming days, while other parties are seeking to prop up either Labour or Tories and their policy of cuts for narrow political agendas, Sinn Féin will be relentless in seeking the best deal for all our people. We have achieved more in direct negotiations with the British Government than other parties have in decades on the back benches at Westminster. Issues that affect the Irish electorate need to be discussed in Ireland by Irish elected representatives. Britain should not involve themselves in these discussions, the same way we should not involve ourselves in the discussions that impact the British electorate.

Q. If elected, what specific actions would you take to improve wages, health services and the economy in Fermanagh South Tyrone?

The British government attack on the north has led to greater inequality, reduced health and education services and lower living standards. Despite the loss of £1.5 billion from the local budget Sinn Féin has protected the health budget, maintained essential public services, protected people from water and prescription charges, protected people from welfare cuts and invested in business and created jobs.

When re-elected I will continue working with my colleagues in the Assembly lobbying the new health minister to ensure that the SWAH gets the services it was designed for and the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone deserve. Waiting lists of over and above 52 weeks for services such as Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Occupational Therapy and Pain Management is unacceptable. Services such as maternity, cancer treatment and mental health treatment need further investment and I will continue to campaign tirelessly for them.

The economy can and will be more successful if we invest in our successful industries like science, innovation and engineering, and promote new emerging sectors like renewables, the creative sector and life-sciences.

Q. How would you alleviate the impact of welfare reform on Fermanagh South Tyrone where there are 9,500 DLA claimants?

Sinn Féin have been very active on the welfare cuts. None of the MPs from the north could stop the welfare cuts being introduced at Westminster, however my party colleagues managed to stop the devastating cuts at Assembly level by issuing a petition of concern.

I work with numerous DLA claimants through my three constituency offices, ensuring they are receiving the financial, as well as the physical aid, they are entitled to. I will continue to work to ensure that these cuts will have minimal impact on those that truly need them.

The Sinn Féin MP team will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British government to secure a workable budget, including the immediate reinstatement of £1.5 billion in spending power to the budget to invest in public services and economic growth.

Q. What is your message to the 30 per cent of locals who did not cast their vote in the last Westminster election; how can you inspire them?

The majority of non-voters said that they didn’t believe their vote would make a difference. I can only reiterate what I have been saying on the doors, in my election material, in media interviews – in this constituency, absolutely every vote counts.

There were just four votes between me and my opponent in the elections in 2010 and when it was brought to electoral court, it was brought down to just one vote. In 2005 my majority would have fit on a bus. In 2010 my majority would have fit on a motorbike.

I am aware of the complaints against politicians but it is all going to stay the same if you continue not to vote.

Q. How do you think St. Angelo Airport could be better used to Fermanagh and South Tyrone’s advantage? Is this something you will focus on if elected?

I already have had numerous meetings with the management of the airport and fully support the extension of commercial flights. If St.Angelo was to extend their flights, it would be a fantastic boost to the local area and to the families that lose a child, sibling or spouse due to having to travel elsewhere for work. It would also boost the tourism of the area, making it more accessible and also a more attractive place for investors. Although I understand those that oppose this scheme and their arguments are completely valid, I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Q. If elected how will you protect Northern Ireland’s CAP reform from a ‘rebalance’ with Scotland?

I will continue to ensure that the north’s share of CAP funding remains within the north. We have already reached a deal on the CAP reform for farmers and through our public meetings and review periods we feel this has been a success. Working alongside the Sinn Féin Minister of Agriculture and our four MEPs in Europe, I believe I am the only candidate that can deliver for the farmers for Fermanagh South Tyrone.

A number of parties have outlined their support for a referendum calling for Britain to leave the European Union. However, Sinn Féin is totally opposed to that. If there is a referendum on European membership then there must be a separate and binding referendum here so our people can be masters of our own destiny. Leaving the European Union would cost the northern economy £1 billion a year. The knock-on impact in terms of the agri-food sector, our agriculture and the all-island economy are unquestionably significant.

Q. Where do you stand on the Portora/Collegiate debate in Fermanagh?

I am in support of the best possible education for the young people of Fermanagh. I truly believe that the best education is in all ability schools.

Sinn Féin’s vision for education here is that all our young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and are encouraged to do so, regardless of which sector they attend.

I recognise that the establishment of a new school will mean that two long-established schools will discontinue, however these proposals put the needs of the pupils first in determining the future of post-primary school provision in Fermanagh, rather than the needs of individual institutions.

Q. The elderly appear to be severely disadvantaged in drastic savings measures the Western Trust has to make. What are your plans to help this particular section of our population?

All patients are being severely disadvantaged by the Tory party cuts of 1.5 billion of the last Westminster term. Unfortunately the elderly are sometimes the worst hit when these cuts come around because they are among the most vulnerable in our society.

I have attended a number of public meetings held in relation to the retention of day care services for the elderly and I was made aware of how important services like these and meals on wheels are to them. I also find the shortage of home help packages and workers unacceptable.The Sinn Féin team will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the British government to secure a workable budget.

Q. Where do you stand on plans to close Enniskillen’s Courthouse?

I am totally opposed to the proposed closure of Enniskillen Courthouse. The Minister has always claimed that the core aim of his department is a faster, fairer justice system, which is reflected in the Bill coming to the Assembly later this year. However, closing Enniskillen Courthouse will only result in backlogs in the justice system, loss in confidence in the justice system and a decrease in access to justice.

My concerns include human rights, job losses, access to justice, the logistics of travelling to the court, particularly with a 16 per cent rise in public transport fares and dealing with domestic violence and divorce, which can cause anguish and upset to those involved.

I will continue to work with my party colleague Sean Lynch as a member of the justice committee as well as the solicitors and the legal teams around the area to ensure yet another vital service is not taken from Fermanagh.

Q. What’s been your most embarrassing moment to date?

Not telling you..

Q. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items could you not live without?

Can my three children be counted as ‘items’? If not, I’d take my rollers, mascara and a wind-up radio.

Q. Describe a moment in your life that has defined you.

The hunger strikes in 1981. I was just 11 when Bobby Sands sacrificed his life in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, rather than allow the British government to class him and his comrades as criminals. It was one of, if not the most influential periods in the long campaign to remove Britain’s role from Irish politics. It defined the republican movement, continues to do so today and their names are written on the hearts and minds of every Irish Republican in Ireland and abroad. To follow in the footsteps of Bobby Sands continues to be an honour and no matter how many election campaigns I go through that thought resonates with me. Q.What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

One of my main strengths is my ability to talk to absolutely anyone. I love interacting with people, getting to know them and finding common ground. My work ethic is also one of my strengths. I don’t take ‘No’ for an answer and therefore if I am working on an issue I will not rest until it is done and I get a result.

One of my main weaknesses is my timekeeping. But my timekeeping is not because of my lack of organisation, it’s due to trying to do multiple things at once.

Finally: Why should anyone vote for you?

Why would they not? Ha. Seriously, if you believe in equality for all, social justice for all and a fairer society you should vote for me. I have been the MP since 2001 and I have worked tirelessly since then. I know the constituency, I know the issues and I have the experience and track record of sorting them. I have worked relentlessly in opposition to issues such as fracking and the closure of rural schools. I played a key role in bringing the SWAH to Enniskillen and I continue to campaign to ensure it delivers. I stand in opposition to any form of Tory cuts. Sinn Féin is the second largest party in the north and the only all-Ireland party, therefore we have the strength and the ability to get things done. I have passion, vibrancy and dedication. Therefore, I would urge you to vote Michelle Gildernew on May 7 – you might just be my majority!