As was widely expected the DUP has selected sitting Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine and Paul Bell from Aughnacloy to run for the party in the upcoming Assembly Election in May.

Deborah Erskine was selected as MLA for the area following the departure of Arlene Foster, as MLA for the constituency, in October.

Paul Bell from Aughnacloy has been a Party member for over 20 years. Mr. Bell has been very active in his local community delivering investment in the local school and a range of cultural projects within the Orange Order locally.

Deborah Erskine MLA said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to represent you as an MLA since October. I have a fresh vision for Unionism and to champion Fermanagh and South Tyrone, as one of the youngest DUP candidates and the youngest female Unionist in the Assembly Chamber.

"It’s vital that a strong team of DUP MLAs is returned at this election. My focus is on fixing our health service and tackling the cost of living rather than a divisive border poll.

"The DUP in Fermanagh and South Tyrone has had strong representation in the past, through Arlene Foster and Lord Morrow. I want to thank in particular my friend Arlene for the support and encouragement she continues to give to me.

"Through my time in the Assembly I have always sought to champion this area I love. Whether that’s standing with our farming community, celebrating local successes or indeed fighting for services such as better roads and working on our GP pressures. There is a lot more to do and I want to continue that work. Strong representation in this area is important, given the many issues that exist. So I am delighted to announce that I will be running alongside, Paul Bell this coming May.”

Mr. Bell, who quit the party over the treatment of former leader, Mrs. Foster, added: “I am delighted to be running for the DUP in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Myself and Deborah want to make sure you have a voice at the Assembly. By returning us as Assembly members, we will always put the people of this constituency first.

"There is a number of problems that exist for people from hospital waiting lists, to the NI Protocol and energy prices, to list a few. We want to deliver for you on those matters. I believe the DUP can, hence why I put myself forward to run in this election.

"With a large family myself, I know the current pressures homes across NI face. We pledged to tackle this, as the only Party who have so far put proposals forward, to deal with the crisis in the cost of living.

"I have been a member of the DUP for my years, and I believe the Party can deliver for homes in Northern Ireland. We both look forward to telling you about our plan for Northern Ireland over the coming weeks on the campaign trail.”