The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Ciara Dempsey as its candidate for the Clogher Valley DEA on Mid Ulster District Council. Ms Dempsey, who previously served as chair of the SDLP's Fermanagh and South Tyrone branch, holds an LLB and is currently studying philosophy at master's level. She will contest the seat held by Cllr Meta Graham, who will not be contesting the next election.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA said:

"I am delighted to confirm Ciara Dempsey as our Ulster Unionist Party candidate for the Clogher Valley DEA on Mid Ulster District Council.

"I also want to thank Councillor Meta Graham, who will not be contesting the next election, for her many years of dedicated service to Clogher Valley and to this party.

"Ciara comes to us with real experience of political life, having previously served as chair of the SDLP's Fermanagh and South Tyrone branch. She knows this area and its people, and I am grateful for the trust she has placed in us.

"I am particularly glad that Ciara has found a home with us. Her decision says something about the party we are building, and about the confidence unionism can have when it reaches out rather than turns inward.

"She is a determined campaigner on the issues that matter in her community and has been particularly clear about the need to tackle violence against women and girls. That is a serious issue which demands serious representatives, and Ciara will be one of them.

"I have said that our responsibility is not simply to defend the Union, but to promote it confidently. The strongest Union rests on a successful Northern Ireland where everyone belongs and has a stake. That positive unionist leadership is attracting new people and growing our party across Northern Ireland.

"We are stronger together, and we are building a team which reflects the whole of Northern Ireland. Ciara shares our ambition for its future and will be an outstanding councillor for the people of Clogher Valley."

Ulster Unionist Party candidate Ciara Dempsey said:

"I am pleased to be selected as an Ulster Unionist Party candidate, and to continue the work I have already been doing across Clogher Valley.

"When I left the SDLP I said my values and the direction I wanted to take no longer aligned. I have found that here, and I am glad of it.

"I am proud of the background and values I was brought up with, and in the Ulster Unionist Party I have found a place where I can be proud of that while still working for everyone. My friends and neighbours come from all traditions and religions. I don't ask what someone's background is, I ask how I can help.

"I care deeply about our rural communities, our farmers, families and small businesses, and about making sure people here are not forgotten when decisions are made. I have already been taking up local issues, supporting community organisations and pushing public bodies where problems have been allowed to go unresolved. That work means asking difficult questions and listening to people whose perspectives differ from your own.

"My unionist values are part of who I am, but representing people has never been about labels for me. I want anyone across Clogher Valley to know they can come to me, and I will do what I can to help."