Alliance selects Fitzpatrick for East Londonderry

10.30.55am GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

"Only Alliance makes the removal of division and prejudice in our society our number one priority."

The Alliance Party has selected Coleraine Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick as their candidate for the forthcoming Westminster election in the East Londonderry constituency. He was approved unanimously at a party association meeting in the area.

Cllr Barney Fitzpatrick said: "It is a real honour to have been unanimously backed by the association and to be given the opportunity to stand in the forthcoming Westminster election.

"These are very exciting times for Alliance. We are growing in support at every election. Ours is a radical and dynamic party that works in the best interests of everyone.

"Only Alliance makes the removal of division and prejudice in our society our number one priority.

"Looking around, no-one could fail to see that Northern Ireland in many ways is a transformed place. But that transformation is not complete. This region can achieved so much more if we sustain political progress, and deliver on the promise of effective government.

"People are sick of the continued bickering, the stand-offs, the brinkmanship, and the lack of progress, vision and leadership. Jobs are continually being lost here, yet the tribal parties appear more concerned about parades. Alliance works on the issues that concern people in their everyday lives and we are the only alternative to the tribal parties.

"The survival of the devolved institutions is directly connected to the maintenance of peace and stability. We all see and appreciate just how far we have come, and no-one must be allowed to squander this progress towards a better future for all of us.."

ENDS