Debbie Coyle describes herself as a daughter, sister, mother, friend, partner, carer, welfare advisor and community activist who has gained a wealth of experience to take to the Council.

Why did you get into politics?

I have always been interested in politics. Coming from a working-class family I became aware of so many inequalities, of discrimination and of racism around me.

As well as identifying with so many of these inequalities, many of my friends and family also lived through and experienced poverty.

I fostered two girls at 18 and then went on to have my own family. I involved myself in local community work and helped to organise regular family and community events. In my opinion, this is political work at the ground level.

When I moved home to Fermanagh it was important for me to continue this community work.

I became an activist in Sinn Fein 17 years ago, and in 2008 I was asked to stand in the Enniskillen by-election.

I saw running for the Council as an extension of the community work, I was already doing.

Why should people vote for you?

I have gained many years of experience from my time in the Council from 2011, and also my continuing engagement with people through the Enniskillen [SF] constituency office.

I have experience of communicating on people’s behalf with the statutory agencies, whether housing, health or benefits.

I work as a health care assistant in the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) and I'm well aware of the concerns people have regarding our hospital and the health service as a whole.

As a trade unionist and a welfare officer for Unison, I am aware of the financial struggles that so many workers are currently experiencing.

As a mother, I know of issues, such as childminding, and the difficulties that so many women in particular face in regard to their own work, opportunities and careers.

What are the issues you will be fighting for in your DEA?

I will continue to fight for the much-needed services in rural communities, engage with local community groups and will demand from the Council and other statutory agencies that effective delivery of services and support is given in the areas and to the people where it is needed.

Retaining and fighting for services to remain in our hospital, including the emergency surgical services, is an absolute priority for me.

What are the biggest issues facing the Council area?

The cost-of-living crisis and our budget are two massive issues for the Council.

It is important that we do not lose any of our workers and that we continue to support our community groups.

We need the Assembly working fully so that councils are given the support to deliver first-class services that will also help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

Sinn Féin wants to make politics work for all and is ready to work with others to get the Executive up and running.

What are the issues the electorate have raised with you?

I have canvassed across Erne North and the message is quite clear from the majority of people I have spoken to – that the Assembly needs to be up and running.

Local issues include poor quality of our roads and footpaths, a lack of affordable childcare and a desperate lack of community carers.

The lack of community carers has come up everywhere, and people understand that this is connected to low pay and poor terms and conditions.

It must be highlighted that women, in the main, carry out this vital work.

There is an absence of playpark facilities in the Erne North area. This has been mentioned numerous times whilst I've been canvassing in the Cavanaleck, Tempo and Irvinestown areas.

Issues also include dangerous dogs and their owners.

So many feel they contact statutory agencies and are ignored, that their concerns are not listened to.

Fly-tipping and people throwing rubbish along our beautiful countryside are two issues that people want addressed.

And again, so many people are worried about the future of our hospital and losing more services from it.

How can we improve the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area?

I believe that communication is important for the Council to improve upon.

Speaking to people on the canvassing trail, it is quite clear that so many people across the county do not know half of what the Council does and doesn’t do.

So, we need to communicate more effectively with communities and the people.

We need to advocate on their behalf for the issues that are concerning them.

I would like to see a litter-free Erne North and Fermanagh and Omagh area. Safe areas and parks for our children and young people. Safe places for our older people.

And that nobody feels discriminated against in our area.