Sean Lynch, Sinn Fein.

Q: “How will you address the problems that you didn't fix during your last five years at Stormont, including ongoing issues with our roads, internet, businesses and farming community?”

A: “The £1.8billion taken from the block grant by the British Government was the reason we were unable to take care of these issues. This highlights why we need full control of our taxes, so that money is going into things such as our roads, internet and farming community. Through the Fresh Start agreement, more money was released to the Executive to spend amongst departments and therefore we will ensure this money is allocated equally.”

Q: “How will you stop our young people leaving Fermanagh-south Tyrone to live and work abroad?”

A: “We are fighting against a tide of Tory austerity in order to create a strong economy for Ireland, and in turn our young people, it has been Sinn Féin’s policy to invest in jobs, particularly in rural areas. However, this has come up against opposition from the DETI Minister, who despite our efforts, there has been a lack of focus on creating jobs West of the Bann. Sinn Féin in the executive has made conscious efforts to decentralise public sector jobs and services, such as my colleague Michelle O’Neill bringing the Forestry Service to Fermanagh.”


Q: “How will you heal the wounds of those who suffered during the Troubles because of the IRA?”

A: “The conflict was not a one sided battle, other groups and organisations were involved too. Sinn Féin has made peace and reconciliation one of main objectives since the Good Friday agreement and we will work with whoever we have to in order to achieve this. We must not look to the past, but look to the future, in order to aid the journey of healing.”

Q: “Will your party close more schools in Fermanagh-south Tyrone?”

“Sinn Féin didn’t close any schools in Fermanagh-south Tyrone; the economic strategy of the Tory Westminster government is responsible for the lack of money in schools. However, utilising our limited resources we saved St Mary’s Brollagh, a new centre of educational excellence will be delivered to Lisnaskea and the amalgamation of Portora and Collegiate will see two top performing schools, together under the one roof which can only be a positive.

We have spent the last five years in the Executive making the arguments for additional money in the next Executive and whether we are in charge of the Department of Education in the next Executive or not we will continue to support additional resources for education if and when they become available.”

Q: “What assurances can you give us that you won't be 'invisible' as a letter-writer recently claimed during the next administration?”

A: “I am sorry that the letter writer feels that way; however I have worked tirelessly for the people I represent. Perhaps it wasn’t as visible as the writer wanted it to be, however changes cannot be made over night and it takes numerous meetings and engagements to get things done.

However, I have been front and centre in the campaign to stop the closure of Enniskillen courthouse; I was also key to delivering the new library in Lisnaskea and have been lobbying for a new library in Enniskillen. I also played a major role in the recovery mechanisms from the recent flooding, with numerous visits from DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill. Each MLA can confirm this, as can the thousands of people who have passed through my office on Main St Lisnaskea throughout the past five years, that although the work is not always visible, I can assure you it is continuing behind the scenes.”