There are many issues which will be important to voters in this election – perhaps the one that is of most stark concern is the ongoing cost of living crisis, which has been addressed in many manifestos and leaflets.

Here, we speak to two local people who will be voting next week on the issues that matter to them, to gauge a little of the mood of the electorate.

 

Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson

 

Mark Robinson, Lisbellaw

We are going to the polls and we are voting for cost of living crisis in this country, but we can’t control how much things cost.

I don’t think it is something our political system in Northern Ireland can tackle, as all they [Stormont] can do is give people money.

Infrastructure in Fermanagh and South Tyrone is very important, in terms of getting jobs to the area, getting better access to public health, getting better education. The better access we have to those facilities, infrastructure-wise, is for me one of the most important things.

In a lot of the manifestos, comments on infrastructure are very brief and short – I know infrastructure financially brings gains to the area.

If Sinn Féin are the biggest party, I don’t think the parties will return [to power-sharing government]. We should go into government all the same.

I think we are a few elections from a significant turning point, there is still too much fear and some parties are peddling fear.

READ MORE: Fermanagh South Tyrone election 2022: full list of candidates

 

Caroline Rice

Caroline Rice

 

Caroline Rice, Lisnaskea

The key issues that will be at the forefront for me in the upcoming election will be health, education and household income.

I don't see it as a cost-of-living crisis, as many have been living this for years through poor wages, zero hour contracts, poor working conditions and social security cutbacks. We just have many more people experiencing it now, and there are more voices shouting.

As I live in a more rural area, health and education are also vitally important issues. I already struggle to even get a phone consultation, so health deteriorates and impacts on people's ability to work.

We also have children going to school while parents can barely afford to buy the uniforms, possibly choosing to not heat their home to pay for them.

Manifestos and strategies are no good for people when they sit on a shelf – we need a government working for us all, investing in our communities as well.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly election