STANDING up for the rights of victims will be one of the key priorities for Kenny Donaldson, if successfully selected as Tom Elliott’s replacement in the Assembly next week.

Originally from Crossmaglen, but having worked in Fermanagh and South Tyrone for the last 13 years, he put himself forward for selection just before last Wednesday’s deadline.

He now joins Enniskillen Town councillor, Robert Irvine, Clogher man, Neil Sommerville and Erne North councillor, Rosemary Barton in the race to be the constituency’s new Ulster Unionist MLA.

A running partner for Mr. Elliott in both the 2007 and 2011 elections, he is hoping he has proven his “commitment to work hard for people over the years”.

“I have worked in and around this constituency for the last 13 years across the political, community/voluntary and latterly victim and survivor sectors,” he told the Impartial Reporter.

“I passionately believe in the vocation of public service. I do not underestimate the responsibility which would come with holding the role of Member of the Legislative Assembly. There are core issues affecting this constituency and others which require robust and principled leadership. Education, Health, the Economy, Tourism and standing up for the rights of victims and survivors are amongst the areas which require key focus.” Mr. Donaldson said he believed the public are being “short changed” by the current system in Stormont.

“I want to be part of a team which aspires to better and which makes politics relevant to people. We all have a mouth and two ears but too often politicians use their mouth more than they engage their ears. That balance needs struck and then proper, more measured representation will follow.

“I am not someone who will give up easily and my upbringing in Crossmaglen, South Armagh means that I have my feet firmly on the ground. I would bring humility, purpose and determination to the role if supported by the members of this constituency.” Mr. Elliott’s former teacher, Rosemary Barton, meanwhile says she believes she has the “experience, insight, knowledge and ability” to full fill the role.

“The electorate of Fermanagh and South Tyrone need to be represented by one with total commitment to the constituents and a good understanding of the issues and concerns within the area, together with the ability to articulate these,” she said.

“Of course, one of the main issues to be addressed is Welfare Reform and the impact if not implemented that it will have. Another issue that must be addressed is that of the Victims and their needs, these people still have many unanswered questions to be addressed at Government level while uncertainty and equality issues within education must be resolved. The economy including Agriculture and Health are key within Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

“As a councillor I have worked in partnership with the community to resolve concerns and where necessary collaborated with MLAs and the MEPs if necessary.” The Ulster Unionist Party will select a replacement for Mr. Elliott on Monday night.