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 grew up in a political household. I knew I wanted to be involved in improving my local community and simply helping people.

In 2017, I was selected to run as an MLA in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

I was very proud to represent Sinn Féin, and that my fellow members in Fermanagh had selected me, and knew I was good enough to go forward as their potential MLA.

It was a chance to play my part in building a modern, progressive society based on fairness and equality.

Answer 2: People are struggling with the rising cost of living. The high costs of fuel, electricity and food are placing huge pressure on the people I’m talking to.

The Tories must scrap VAT on energy bills to cut household costs. The British government must support people through this difficult period by cutting Excise Duty on fuel.

Sinn Féin has delivered a £200 fuel payment to more than 280,000 people, plus the [Sinn Féin] Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has binned ‘the bedroom tax’, to protect thousands of people from this cruel Tory tax.

People are also worried about health services, including rural GP practices and services at the South West Acute Hospital.

Sinn Féin has made health a priority. [Sinn Féin] Finance Minister Conor Murphy recently delivered an additional £200 million to transform the health service and support health workers, and has committed to making health the Executive’s number-one spending priority for the next three years.

Answer 3: Tackling the cost of living crisis and challenging the Tory government in Westminster to act. Making health the top priority in the next mandate.

Strengthening workers’ rights, including leading my Bill to ban zero hour contracts through the remainder of the legislative stages.

Carry on building a stronger and fairer economy and grasp the potential of an all-Ireland economy to improve the quality of jobs and to raise incomes for workers in the North.

And to complete the process, already begun in this mandate, to ensure that a ban on fracking in the North is accomplished.

Answer 4: If all the parties at the Assembly work together, we can prioritise health, housing and education and use the NI Protocol to create better jobs in a stronger economy.

We have made some real differences over the past number of years. Sinn Féin, working with the SDLP, Alliance, Greens and Unionist parties, have passed some great legislation – legislation such as the Autism Bill, Integrated Education Bill, Flexible School Age Bill, the Protection From Stalking Bill, Organ Donation Bill, and the Parental Leave Bill, to name but a few.

Answer 5: I will continue to do what I have been doing for the past five years as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

I will represent everyone, and continue to work with all parties to deliver for the people here.

My priority is to make politics work, and to bring about real change for everybody.

Answer 6: I have a proven track record of speaking up for and fighting the cause of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

I will continue to work to prioritise health, housing, education and infrastructural spending in Fermanagh.

We must create better jobs, build a stronger economy, strengthen workers’ rights and ensure workers and families get a better, fairer deal.