WITH parties and individuals now jockeying for political position as Northern Ireland prepares to hold Assembly elections soon, there’s a lot to consider for an electorate keen to have their voices heard, but perhaps a little uncertain of where the would-be MLAs stand on a range of issues.

And so, over the coming weeks – starting today – we’ll be looking at the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA candidates running in our area, who were happy to talk to The Impartial Reporter’s Ciarán Flaherty, Jessica Campbell and Victoria Johnston about where they stand on several issues.

Topics

Whether on topics such as the current cost of living and energy crises, to the Northern Ireland Protocol, to ongoing health and education issues and other topics, the candidates across the political board have shared where they stand, and what their vision is for Northern Ireland and our area.

Featuring the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA candidates in no particular order, The Impartial Reporter asked each of them the following questions which arguably matter most, answered opposite, with the other candidates’ answers following in coming weeks.

Finally, no matter where you stand on these issues, and regardless of who you would like to support at the ballot box, please do cast your precious vote when the opportunity arises, and help to make sure that your voice is heard.

Question 1:Tell voters a bit about yourself – why are you in politics/how long for?

Question 2:From speaking to people in the constituency, what issues are affecting the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?

Question 3:What will be the main issues you will be working on, if elected?

Question 4:How can Stormont work best for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?

Question 5:What will you bring as an MLA if elected?

Question 6: Why should people vote for you?

Answer 1: I am a first-time candidate but I have been involved in political activism for many years. I’ve worked in policy and campaigning for women’s and children’s charities, and I’m a grassroots activist fighting on issues such as welfare cuts, childcare, violence against women and access to healthcare.

Answer 2: I think Fermanagh and South Tyrone is at the front line of the most urgent environmental issues facing us, such as the crisis in water quality, the fight against fracking, and the need to develop an integrated public transport network with rail coverage for the west of the country.

It is clear that the pandemic has magnified many issues in the area that were already affecting people, due to the inequality of funding for services in rural areas.

The security of services based in the South West Acute Hospital is a huge concern for people, and I’ve been contacted by parents worried about the mental health crisis young people are facing with huge waiting lists to access support.

Answer 3: I will be working on the urgent cost of living crisis which is plunging people into poverty.

People need access to public housing, affordable housing, decent jobs and a social security safety net that respects their dignity.

I will put a spotlight on rural poverty, as it is often invisible. I will make sure local people’s voices are heard when it comes to preserving our incredible environment, so that we can live and work here for future generations.

This includes working to bring the waterways back to high-quality levels, and honouring the commitment of the communities in Fermanagh who have held the ground against fracking for more than a decade by banning all petroleum licensing.

Answer 4: Stormont needs to listen to the needs, concerns and barriers faced by people in Fermanagh and South Tryone.

The parties currently representing this constituency have failed to close the gap when it comes to funding and provision of services.

If Stormont was properly implementing legislation such as the Rural Needs Act, it would not just make decisions based on how much it costs to deliver services in rural communities, but on the terrible impact on quality of life when vital services are not accessible.

When it comes to environmental justice, rural communities will be the first affected by climate breakdown, and so you need to be directly involved in planning the new policies that will come from the Climate Act.

The Green Party secured the Just Transition fund for farmers, and I will work with the local farming community to make sure that is used effectively.

Answer 5: I bring years of experience in campaigning for change and working through with the Assembly to get the voices of ordinary people heard at the heart of decision-making.

The two current Green Party MLAs have achieved everything they set out to in recent years, and they’ve done it through an attitude of hard work and not taking no for an answer.

I would be joining a growing Green Party Assembly team that can deliver for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Answer 6: It’s time to send a clear message to Stormont that environmental justice matters in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

The Green Party is the only party that has shown unwavering support for the actions needed to protect our land for future generations.

If you vote for me, I will listen and work with you to secure the society you need to allow you and your family to thrive. It’s time for a new approach.