Deputy Leader backs UUP candidate

ULSTER Unionist Deputy Leader, Danny Kennedy today visited Enniskillen to show his support and backing for Ulster Unionist Candidate Basil Johnston who is standing in the by-election next week.

Commenting during his visit he said: "It is obvious that this election is very important locally, and I would therefore urge voters here to come out in support of Basil Johnston, UUP. Local people recognise the significance of having a full time councillor on board working for the people of Fermanagh - that is what Basil can offer and this is what he is consistently doing."

Commenting on the DUP's candidate he added: "The question remains, do people want a full time councillor like Basil Johnston or do they want a part timer like Arlene Foster? With her commitments as an MLA and a Minister it is inconceivable that she will be able to devote the necessary time to constituency issues."

Mr Kenendy also echoed the comments of his Leader Sir Reg Empey and added: "I would like to stress our support for the full use of the Proportional Representation system in pulling transfers amongst unionism."

Responding to DUP claims that the DUP can secure the Unionist seat, Mr Kennedy stated: "I would go further and ask Arlene, when she believes that policing and justice should be devolved. The DUP have previously reneged on such promises and I challenge her to answer when she believes her party will move on the issue? In contrast it is the belief of the UUP that the Unionist community is not ready for the devolution of policing and justice as public confidence is still low."

"In all, Basil Johnston is the secure Unionist vote, he is here in the ground in Fermanagh and today I have been able to witness his efforts locally."