With the prospect of a General Election becoming ever more likely as we get closer to October 31 and the Brexit deadline, a number of names have emerged as possible candidates in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Current MP for the constituency, Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew will likely run again in a bid to retain her seat while DUP leader Arlene Foster has already ruled herself out of running for the Westminster seat, which makes it possible that there will be a single Unionist candidate standing in the constituency.

The Alliance Party has already named a number of candidates throughout Northern Ireland with Paula Bradshaw endorsed as their candidate in South Belfast.

Although an Alliance spokesperson has said they are still in the process of selecting candidates, Matthew Beaumont, who ran in this year’s local Council elections has confirmed he has put his name forward to be considered for the candidacy in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the event of a General Election.

The Alliance saw a surge in the local elections and their leader was elected as an MEP in May, and they will be hoping to build on this.

“People in Fermanagh and South Tyrone aren’t represented in Dublin, they aren’t represented currently in Belfast and due to our current MP Abstaining, we have no one in Westminster taking their seat for us. Fermanagh and South Tyrone is currently represented in Brussels,” said Mr. Beaumont.

“That’s just not good enough, from Belcoo to Dungannon and back down to Belleek, the people are talking and they want better. They want a better Northern Ireland for all of our futures. I sure as hell want a better future for my kids.

“If I’m lucky enough to be selected, if an election is called I really look forward to being able to spread that message and offer a chance for a truly cross community led future.”

With Brexit most likely being the main issue that candidates will have to look at in the event of a General Election, Mr. Beaumont does not believe that several pro-remain candidates could dilute the vote and give a pro-Brexit candidate the seat.

“No I don’t, just like multiple Brexit candidates won’t make a remain MP more likely.

“This election shouldn’t be about Brexit, it has to be beyond Brexit. It has to be about picking someone that will stand up on the benches of Westminster and fight for every single person across Fermanagh and South Tyrone.”

Newly elected Fermanagh and Omagh District SDLP Councillor Adam Gannon is clear why he put his name forward for selection for his party.

“Currently people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone have no voice.

“Yes Michelle Gildernew wont be voting to leave the EU in Parliament but now more than ever we need a voice desperately, we see how tight the numbers are.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today on this cliff edge if we had people standing up.

“That’s what people want. There is a lot of frustration.

“I am out on the doors chatting people and there is a lot of frustration that we have no-one, including the fact that we have no Stormont as well, no representation other than the Council at such an important time.

“That’s the reason why im putting myself forward to give people the opportunity to vote for someone who will give them that voice or who will stand up.

Although it is unlikely that a General Election will be called before the Brexit deadline, some think that December is a more likely time.