With just under a month to go until the local Council elections, the faces of those looking for the electorate’s vote are becoming ever clearer.

Candidates in Fermanagh have been busy announcing their intention to run over recent weeks, while nomination papers have also been submitted.

The SDLP has nominated its Fermanagh candidates for the upcoming local government election on May 18, with sitting Councillors Paul Blake, Adam Gannon, John Coyle and Garbhan McPhillips all hoping to return to the Council Chamber again.

Councillor Blake said: “While we can be justly proud of our many achievements over the previous Council term, like many people in this area I am frustrated at the situation we find ourselves in when it comes to services.

“Our community has been denied its fair share for too long and the SDLP is determined to continue standing up for people here and making their voices heard so that the Council delivers on the issues that truly matters to them.”

Councillor Coyle said: “Much of Fermanagh is rural, which presents its own unique challenges for people living in our communities.

“We still suffer from problems like poor broadband connectivity, rural isolation, a lack of support for farmers, our community groups and poor roads, and until we address these issues we will continue playing catch up with other parts of the North and these islands.”

Councillor Gannon said: “Improving access to health services for people in this area has been my number-one priority since getting involved in politics, and we are still having to fight tooth and nail to prevent cuts to much-needed services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), and to protect access to GP surgeries and other medical treatment for people in rural areas.

“The SDLP has played a key role in the campaign to retain key services in line with health service reform, and we will always stand behind the community here when it comes to protecting vital resources.”

Councillor McPhillips said: “There is huge potential for Fermanagh that we have unfortunately yet to realise. The future could be so bright for people here, and the SDLP has the vision to make that happen.

“As a cross-Border area we are uniquely placed to benefit from the economic opportunities of dual-market access, and we need to ensure that this once in a lifetime chance to build a better future for everyone in the North, in Fermanagh and right across our island, is not lost.

“A strong team of SDLP representatives in this area will keep fighting for every single person here to deliver on this and the other issues impacting us in our everyday lives.”

Sinn Féin’s Fermanagh candidates also submitted their nomination papers last week.

Alongside the candidates who were announced previously by the party was Elaine Brough, who replaced Áine Morris as the party’s candidate in Erne West.

The DUP has also announced their slate of candidates running for election in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

Running in Fermanagh and Omagh will be Keith Elliott and Jill Mahon in Enniskillen; Paul Robinson in Erne East; David Mahon and Paul Stevenson in Erne North, and in Erne West, Aaron Elliott.

Also running in the Tyrone area of the district will be Shirley Hawkes in Mid Tyrone; Errol Thompson in Omagh and Mark Buchanan in West Tyrone.

Commenting on the upcoming elections, Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said: “I am delighted that we have a candidate list for both Council areas which reflect youth and experience.”

Her message for the electorate continued: “It is important that you use this Council election to vote for candidates that will work on your behalf.

“The DUP has a strong record of delivery within the Council, despite the fact it is a Nationalist-majority Council.

“Our councillors have always striven to work for the betterment of all in the district, and have not tried to elevate one side of the community over another.

“What matters to you is ensuring the lowest possible rates and that the basic functions of a Council are carried out – such as bin collections and open recycling centres.

“Often, our councillors have brought forward proposals which will work for residents on the ground, but have been out-voted. Now is the time to put this right at an election.

“We will continue to be a strong voice for your community and for Unionism at Council level.

“We will continue to work with all to ensure better services and outcomes for residents of this area.”

The UUP also announced their candidates recently, with Mark Ovens, Matthew Bell and Roy Crawford all facing the electorate for the first time.

The Alliance candidate for Enniskillen, Eddie Roofe, is due to submit his nomination papers this week, while Cross-Community Labour Alternative Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, and TUV’s Donald Crawford will also be running in the Enniskillen ward.

The closing date for people to officially become a candidate is by 1pm on Monday, April 24.