An Enniskillen town councillor is to contest this year’s Assembly election for the constituency of Fermanagh South Tyrone.

Cross Community Labour Alternative (CCLA) Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh is to contest the election on May 5, where he will be standing on an anti-sectarian, Socialist manifesto.

Announcing his intentions, Councillor O’Cofaigh said: “The main parties do not represent the interests of Working Class people or young people. They thrive on sectarian division, but are united in their support for right-wing economic policies.

“These policies have left one in five people in poverty, and decimated our public services over a decade of austerity.

“Our health service was in a weakened state when the Covid-19 pandemic struck because of their cuts. We got through the last two years because of the immense efforts of working people, many of whom put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“This solidarity between working people shows the way to a better future.”

Supporting his candidacy, fellow campaigner and 2019 Westminster election candidate Caroline Wheeler said: “Donal’s supporters have selected him to stand because he has shown what can be achieved when a councillor stands up and fights.

“He has given a voice to working people and young people from all communities.”

She continued: “Since he was elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for Cross-Community Labour, Donal has stood out because of his hard work and willingness to take on the establishment.

“Now, we hope the voters will allow him to take his outspoken style to Stormont.”

Councillor O’Cofaigh said: “We need an alternative political party which seeks votes from right across the community. A party which is against austerity and for a better life for all.

“A party which is for equality and against discrimination. A party which supports workers fighting for fair pay.

“I want to build on my success in the local elections and on Caroline Wheeler’s fine vote in the last General Election.

“We have supporters from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds. My election team includes trade union activists, carers, campaigners against fracking and gold-mining, and women’s, LGBT+, disabled and anti-racist activists.”

Councillor O’Cofaigh lives in Belcoo and works as Campaigns, Communications and Press Officer for the Unite trade union.