The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Matthew Robinson as its candidate for East Londonderry in next May’s Assembly election. Mr Robinson, who lives in Portstewart, is legally trained holding an LLB and an LLM with a focus on constitutional law, a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think tank, and a former chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA said:

“I am delighted to confirm Matthew Robinson as our Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Londonderry.

“Matthew is legally trained holding both an LLB and an LLM, a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think-tank and served previously as a policy adviser in the European Parliament. He brings real depth in constitutional law, international affairs and political organisation, and he has spent his career making the case for a positive, pro-Union politics focused on economic growth.

“He lives in Portstewart, and he is standing in the place he calls home. East Londonderry deserves a representative who will argue its case with confidence and competence, and who understands that the Union is strengthened by making Northern Ireland work.

“Matthew will do that, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding MLA for East Londonderry.”

Ulster Unionist East Londonderry candidate Matthew Robinson said:

“I am proud to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Londonderry, the place I call home. I look forward to bringing real energy, enthusiasm and vigour to this campaign.

“This constituency has enormous potential. From the stunning Causeway Coast to the towns of Coleraine and Limavady, East Londonderry has so much to be proud of. World-class events such as The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and the North West 200 put our corner of Northern Ireland firmly on the international stage, attracting visitors and showcasing the very best of what we have to offer. Yet for too long, East Londonderry has not received the investment and attention it deserves.

“I will work tirelessly to champion the interests of our farmers, small businesses and hospitality sector, all of which are vital to the economic prosperity of East Londonderry. Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy, while our small businesses and hospitality industry provide jobs, opportunities and investment across the constituency. They deserve a strong voice at Stormont, and I intend to be that voice and stand in their corner.

“Safeguarding the future of Ulster University and Northern Regional College’s campuses in Coleraine, alongside strengthening services at Causeway Hospital, must also be a priority.

“My background in law, public policy and international affairs has taught me the importance of sound judgement, evidence-based decision-making and delivering results. That is the approach I want to bring to Stormont: good governance and a determination to tackle the challenges facing East Londonderry and Northern Ireland as a whole.

“I joined the Ulster Unionist Party because I believe in a confident, forward-looking and pragmatic unionism, one that brings people together rather than drives them apart. We secure our place in the Union not by harking back to the tribal politics of the past, but by focusing relentlessly on economic growth, prosperity and making Northern Ireland work for everyone. A Northern Ireland where future generations want to stay, build successful careers, raise families and fulfil their potential.

“Under Jon Burrows’ leadership, and with a strong Ulster Unionist team at Stormont, the party is offering a fresh approach, grounded in common sense, ambition for our people and a determination to get things done. That is the kind of unionism I believe in, and the kind of politics I want to champion in East Londonderry and across the North Coast.”