TUV to sit this one out
The TUV Fermanagh Branch met on Friday evening and according to a well-placed source decided not to field a candidate in the Enniskillen by-election next month. The decision will be discussed by TUV officers before a decision is announced. It's thought the TUV will state it does not want to risk handing a unionist seat to Sinn Fein, in a close race. Already the DUP has selected the enterprise minister Arlene Foster - but so far no word on candidates from the SDLP or SF. The Ulster Unionists have selected Basil Johnston.
Of course the TUV may show more enthusiasm if a byelection was called in Kilkeel. The Newry and Mourne Council is meeting this evening to make a decision on co-opting a new councillor following the death of the SDLP's Michael Cole. But if there is an objection, it could spark a byelection.
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For once the TUV has done the right thing...it's a shame the UUP didn't have the same common sense to protect the unionist cause. The safe seat of the late Mr Dodds has been put as risk for no justifiable reason...all the UUP will achieve is the splitting of the unionist vote and are increasing Sinn Fein's chances. I really can't fathom what Bertie Kerr was thinking in forcing this by-election....there's no logic in it whatsoever!
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If somebody in elected office leaves that office for whatever reason, there should be another election.
Furthermore, whoever wants to stand in that election should do so without consideration for any party except their own.
If I was Reg Empey I would tell the local branch in Fermanagh to show some confidence in the UUP brand and fight for the seat. Any other stance would make them even more pathetic, contemptable and unworthy of unionist respect and votes than they already are.
Sinn Fein have proved themselves to be completely at a loss as to how to bring a united Ireland any closer. One extra councillor in Fermanagh will not change that.
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Its pure cowardice from the TUV - and particularly from Allister.
The meeting WAS organised to select a candidate but then their glorious 'Chairman' returned home and vetoed the selection of a candidate and therefore the meeting was allegedly to "decide not to nominate".
Its cowardice because the TUV wish to bask in the false glory of Dromore and don't want to risk their flush getting busted by going before the electorate again.
They cannot use the "dont want a seat going to SF" excuse because they've already said dozens of times that they don't see a difference between the DUP and SF. They're all sitting together up at Stormont etc etc. Why are they not offering an "anti St-Andrews" candidate then for unionists to flock towards. After all, if there's the massive groundswell against the DUP that the TUV talk of then they could well even win the seat.
Martina would do well to probe a little more with her "well placed source".
Of course there should never have been a bye-election in the first place and blame for that lies firmly and solely with the UUP. However, now that there is one the TUV are simply running away.
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I have to agree with RJ on this one. There is no point at all in blaming any party for elections in this instance.
Someone was elected by the public to take on a role. Now that that role requires being filled again, of course it should be through an election. That is the will of the people in action, democracy!
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Was is the TRUE story, behind the decision of TUV to sit out this election run?
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Jim Allister is nothing more than a misguided individual. Does he not think the people will find out the truth? People know and people remember. I hope than when any election comes round the DUP powerhouse of elections will treat him like chewing gum stuck to the ground. Hose him down a drain.
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Correction: in my comments...
What is the TRUE story in the decision, behind the decision of TUV to sit out the election...
~Dennis
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