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 61 and from Aughnacloy. I am a pro-life candidate.

I am married to Elaine, and we have nine children.

I understand the extreme pressure young people are facing with the increasing costs of living, and want to ensure the Government provides adequate help to support young families.

I have served more than 20 years in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the PSNI, and I want to ensure that our veterans receive fair treatment.

I understand the contribution our farmers make, and want to see young people encouraged to take up farming as a career path, and to ensure the farming community is sustained for years to come.

I have a very keen interest in education, and have served 25 years on the local Board of Governors in Aughnacloy.

Answer 2: I have visited many homes over the past few weeks, and people are very concerned about the increase of the cost of living; access to local GPs; the impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol; and the impact of the Integrated Education Bill on our local schools in Dungannon, Aughnacloy and Fivemiletown.

I want better roads, rail and public transport.

We’re being told to ‘go Green’, but public transport is out of date with the timetable of our lives.

Answer 3: The DUP has delivered fibre broadband to 13k properties in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

By 2025, Northern Ireland will have the best fibre connection region in these islands but we need to now tackle the physical infrastructure – roads, buses, trains, etc.

If I am successfully elected, I want to focus on reform of the funding allocations in the education sector and will campaign to see better investment for rural schools.

As I come from a farming background, I would like to see more apprenticeships in farming to encourage the next generation to become more involved in food production.

We need better links between schools and business.

I am very involved in the Loyal orders.

I would like to see more funding going towards the running of our bands and youth organisations.

They are an invaluable tool for our rural economy.

Answer 4: We need to focus on the issues that matter – fixing our NHS, growing our economy, keeping our schools world-class, helping working families and removing the NI Protocol.

The reset button needs to be set in Stormont.

The Unionist people have had enough.

If Stormont is to work for all of the people of Northern Ireland, then the Unionist people must receive fair treatment. As our slogan says, ‘We need to move forward together’.

Answer 5: I believe in straight talking.

If something isn’t right, I won’t be afraid to speak out, even if it isn’t the popular choice.

Answer 6: If I am elected, I will be a strong advocate for people who want NI to work.

I have lived all my life in South Tyrone – I understand the issues facing families in this area, and it is important the West is represented by a strong voice.

I can be that voice to ensure Unionists in this area are not left behind.