The race to fill the upcoming void left by Independent Republican Councillor, Bernice Swift, in Erne West DEA, has seen a development with the announcement of Paul McGoldrick to run in the ward as an Indepedent Republican.

Mr. McGoldrick, from Lisnaskea, has been endorsed by Councillor Swift and a former Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Robin Martin, for the May 18 vote.

“I have always had a keen interest in local politics and worked on Councillor Swift’s previous election campaign,” said Mr. McGoldrick.

“I believe it’s very important that people across Erne West must have an independent voice, making a difference and speaking up for them in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

“If successfully elected as an Independent, I will be a voice for everyone. I won’t be restricted like the bigger political parties who need permission from their leadership to raise issues not always suiting the agenda of Belfast or Derry; instead, I will speak directly for the people on the relevant issues that matter to them by effective representation.”

Referencing the current cost of living crisis and the lack of a functioning Stormont, he continued: “The people of Erne West deserve much better.

“With no central government working, a lot more pressure and responsibility is on the councils across the North to step in and deliver, even though its not the councils’ statutory responsibility to do so.

“That’s why it’s vital that the people’s voices are heard loud and clear in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. An Independent voice is therefore necessary.”

A dedicated political activist, he has been involved in several campaigns over recent years, such as the anti-fracking issue, and attended the protests in Derrylin and at Belcoo.

Most recently, he has been involved in the fight to retain services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

“If elected as an Independent, the SWAH will be the top of my agenda and I will ensure that I will use all my power to keep the pressure coming from the Council onto the Western Trust. We deserve better and we demand better.

“I will ensure the rural voice is heard in the Council and I will not be silent on any depletion of services at the SWAH.”

“I encourage the people of Erne West to vote for me on Thursday, May 18. Come out and vote McGoldrick Number One, continue the effective representation that Bernice Swift gave you as your Independent Councillor by electing McGoldrick, and I guarantee that I will work tirelessly for everyone and ensure your voice will most definitely be heard in the Chambers of the Council,” he added.

In endorsing Mr. McGoldrick, Councillor Swift described him as a “highly-skilled, approachable and experienced political activist with a very enthusiastic attitude”, and said it was vital to have a strong independent voice on the Council.

In Erne East, another Independent candidate has put their name on the ballot paper.

Newtownbutler native Tina McDermott has taken the decision to stand alongside Councillor Eamon Keenan.

She said: “I have been campaigning hard for [the] SOAS [campaign group] over the last six months, to not only restore emergency general surgery to the SWAH, but to make it a better hospital than ever.

“We as a team managed to gather over 30,000 signatures in less than three weeks.

“I have seen firsthand how working together as a community can and will make a difference.”

The election hopeful believes the people of Erne East have been forgotten about, saying: “Our GP provision in Erne East is at breaking point.

“We have witnessed the closure of Roslea GP surgery, Maguiresbridge surgery, Lisnaskea and Brookeborough’s [surgery] ownership and future is now in question, and Newtownbutler – my own surgery – is at risk of imminent closure, too.

“I feel as though we have been let down by the establishment and I want to take a stand to fight for those who have been forgotten.

“If you give me your vote, I promise to put as much effort into being a councillor as I have as a volunteer,” she added.