Fermanagh and South Tyrone Ulster Unionist candidate, Tom Elliott says there is weariness when it comes to people talking about Brexit and issues surrounding the health service and more personal issues are what is being discussed on the doorsteps.

The former MP is hoping to take the constituency seat from Michelle Gildernew of Sinn Féin for the second time in four years following his victory in the 2015 General Election. It was to be a short stint in office as Mrs. Gildernew reclaimed the seat following Teresa May’s snap election in 2017.

Tom is hoping to get on to the benches of the House of Commons where he says he will represent the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone and do as much as possible to influence ministers and government officials for the betterment of the area.

“I think it is about getting representation and you know it’s important you are in there and making you’re voice heard and give a voice to Fermanagh and South Tyrone,” said Tom.

“Particularly around a lot of issues the likes of civil service pay issues, around benefits and I have always been very strong around them. I must admit I would continue to do that.

“It also important that you make influence and create influence with government ministers over there and the only way to do that is to be active on the floor of the house.”

Endorsed by the DUP as the candidate for the area before his party had officially selected him, Tom says there has been a positive reaction to those he has been speaking to but he says there are more pressing issues being discussed as well.

“It’s quite positive towards me I suppose and towards the agreement that was reached.

“There are a number of issues that are coming up regularly at every election and I have to say the biggest one is health.

“Most places you go to there are always queries and complaints around the health service and health issues and you know nurses pay and the potential strikes is adding to all that.”

Brexit is still being discussed but Tom admits it is not as prevalent as he thought it would be. He says that people may have lost a degree of interest in the subject, however he admits that when it is discussed it is more the fear of the unknown that is causing concern for voters.

“A lot of people are saying whatever happens just needs to happen. I think because Boris’ deal is only deal on the table and people are concerned, that’s irrespective if you are from a Unionist or Nationalist community.

“I think there’s a real concern around Boris’ deal and what it might do for the economy.”

It is expected that Tom and Mrs. Gildernew will battle it out again for the seat in a two horse race, with the Sinn Féin MP saying that Unionist farmers could vote for her instead of the Ulster Unionist due to his stance on Brexit, however he has yet to meet a Unionist farmer inclined this way.

“I certainly haven’t met any Unionist farmers who said they will vote for Michelle Gildernew. They are immune to me at this stage, maybe I will hear it in the next few weeks but certainly not that I’m aware of.

I think Unionist farmers are probably more concerned about the future of farming and how they can make a decent living. They are also Unionists and being Unionists they are also concerned about the Union and their survival within the UK and I think that will come before potentially voting for Michelle Gildernew.”

Whatever happens on December 12, this General Election is billed as a defining time in politics and the future of the United Kingdom.

“It will go down in history to some degree, as a conclusion has to brought to Brexit some way and if the Conservatives get a majority I have to say I don’t know what will happen.”

With many permutations still to be decided, Tom, if elected has said that whatever does happen he will have to see what benefits Northern Ireland will get from any sort of deal.

“I would have to wait and see. I wouldn’t be giving any commitment around that. I certainly wouldn’t be backing the deal at the moment, there is no way and I wouldn’t see myself backing a no deal either. I would have to be pragmatic at the time and see if it was beneficial in terms to Northern Ireland.”

Another close run is expected like it has been in previous years but Tom is not getting too worked up about it.

“I’m pretty relaxed about it and I’ll take it as it comes.”