SDLP Representative for Erne West Adam Gannon, has said that the changes to the legal indemnity cover for sitting on tribunals, resulting in many cases to be adjourned, is causing added anxiety and distress for PIP claimants going through the appeals process.

“This recent change has not only caused utter confusion for the advice sector and constituency offices, it has added to the anxiety and distress of disabled people who are already going through the PIP process which in itself is extremely stressful.

“Questions must be asked if the highest standards of medical evidence cannot be accessed by those adjudicating these cases, how can we expect claimants to consider this to be a fair and robust process?” he said.

Mr. Gannon said SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon has written to the President of Appeals Tribunals and the Department for Communities to clarify what steps advice and constituency workers should take in light of this change of process, to ensure every claimant has a fair and robust appeal.

“We must never forget that at the heart of this stressful process are disabled claimants, who should not have to experience any additional trauma on top of what is already a traumatic process.”

Sinn Fein’s Chris McCaffrey has welcomed news that a new build for Bunscoil an Traonaigh is moving closer.

He tweeted: “Ardú croí na maidine! Lúcháir orm do @BunscoilT agus do na páistí ar fad. Delighted for Bunscoil an Traonaigh and all the hardworking staff and pupils. The Irish language is alive and well in Fermanagh! Go n-éirí libh!”

Meanwhile the Ulster Unionist’s Alex Baird has jokingly referred to Derrylin as “London Derrylin” in a post-election trail Facebook post.

“Just in from day two of the election trail. Spent the day in (London) Derrylin. Good reception with no negativity. Song for day two: bright side of the road.”

Cross Community Independent candidate Trevor Armstrong took to Facebook to tell his followers that there was a new face on the election papers.

“That’s me, and as a cross community independent candidate make the change.

“We can work together, both sides, we’ve done this in the past,” he said.

Independent councillor Bernice Swift says there are key issues coming from the doorsteps.

“Having 14 years experience as a Local Councillor means that I already have involvement with all aspects of grass roots people lives and can speak with conviction on their behalf,” she said before adding.

“ Already on the doorsteps the big issues affecting and impacting our constituents are Brexit, home-help care packages, lack of Broadband, cuts to benefits and the lack of investment for the poor state of our roads, pertinent issues of which I am to the fore in addressing and seeking practical solutions.”

Also standing in Erne West is Carol Johnston who is representing the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein’s Anthony Feely and Fionnuala Leonard .