'Save Ards land' campaigner to run for Alliance in Strangford

1.07.00pm GMT Wed 20th Dec 2006

Strangford Alliance MLA, Kieran McCarthy

The Alliance Party last night selected Kieran McCarthy MLA to stand in next March's Assembly election in Strangford. He leads the campaign of opposition to the Ards public land selloff, which hopes to save Portaferry kids playground and large sections of coastal land vital to the tourism industry. He stated that because Alliance is the only real alternative to the sectarian parties, they look after the real needs of local people.

Kieran McCarthy, who is currently an MLA in Strangford and a Councillor in Ards, said: "I am very pleased to have been re-selected as Alliance candidate in next year's Assembly election in Strangford.

"Its important that Strangford has a representative that will stand up to parties like the DUP on issues like the disgraceful public land selloff. The sectarian parties must not be allowed to ignore the needs and interests of local people.

"If people want the best on issues that affect their daily lives, then Alliance is the party

for them. We are only interested in real issues, not tribal timewasting.

"People are realizing that Alliance is the only party of progress for Northern Ireland. Last week's by-election win against the DUP, Sinn Fein, the Ulster Unionists and SDLP shows that local people are fed up with sectarian parties."

ENDS