Alliance pleased to select Fitzpatrick as candidate for Coleraine by-election

1.31.29pm GMT Wed 8th Nov 2006

Alliance Party Chair, Yvonne Boyle

Alliance Party Chair and Coleraine Representative, Yvonne Boyle, has announced that following last night's selection meeting, Barney Fitzpartick has been selected as the Alliance Party candidate for the forthcoming council by-election in Skerries ward in Coleraine. The by-election follows the resignation of Dessie Stewart after the former DUP member was found guilty of electoral fraud. The Ulster Unionists triggered the by-election after voting against co-opting the runner-up, Alliance candidate Barney Fitzpatrick.

Yvonne Boyle said: "I am very pleased that Barney Fitzpartick has been selected as Alliance candidate for the forthcoming Coleraine by-election.

"Barney is a well respected member of the local community and would be an asset to Coleraine Borough Council.

"He was the runner-up at the last Skerries election therefore it would have been natural justice for him to have been co-opted onto the council to fill the vacancy.

"It is however unfortunate that Ulster Unionists demanded an election in the first place as it will cost the taxpayer up to £15,000 and will take place in mid-December. Local people will be angry at this disgraceful waste of money.

"The UUP have been playing political games with the taxpayers cash. People in Skerries have the chance to voice their views on these matters in the forthcoming election."

ENDS