TUV have announced three of their candidates who will contest the local elections in Antrim and Newtownabby Council area.
Mel Lucas will stand for the party in Ballyclare, Richard Shields will be the TUV candidate in Antrim and Norman Boyd will be standing for election in Macedon.
Mel Lucas served as a councillor in Antrim from 2005 to 2011 and has been a resident of South Antrim his entire adult life. He has a strong background in agriculture as a breeder of prize bulls as well as being involved in the building industry. Given his background, Mel understands the challenges faced by small businesses.
Married to Diane, Mel has four adult children. He is active in his local Orange Lodge, Ballyrobert 389, and is Chairman of the Board of Governors of Loanends Primary School.
Richard Shields is a local man who was born and bred in Antrim Town. He was educated at Antrim Primary School and Parkhall High before completing an apprenticeship in construction. He is married with two sons. Richard was involved in setting up the Town Parks South youth and entertainments group and was the first elected chairman. A plasterer by trade, he became a lifeguard for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. He served as a lifeguard for over 12 years in the Six Mile Leisure Centre.
For the last eight years he was the Shop Steward, Health and Safety representative with Unite and is involved with the Ladyhill flute band.
Norman Boyd is married with a grown-up family. He is the son of former Macedon Councillors Billy and Jean Boyd.
Norman grew up in the Fernagh estate and was educated at Abbots Cross Primary School and Belfast High School. He attended the Boys Brigade in Rathcoole and is a Queensman. Norman has worked in financial services for over three decades. He served as an MLA in the 1998 – 2003 Assembly and has consistently opposed the Belfast Agreement. Norman has been a member of the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution for over 32 years and is passionate about his British heritage, culture and identity.
Commenting on the line-up TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“TUV sees Antrim and Newtownabby as an area where there is real potential. Last year, Mel came within a few hundred votes of being returned as an MLA. Norman finished runner up in the Assembly election, coming very close to securing an additional seat for Unionism.
“I am confident that Mel, Norman and Richard will do well in the local elections. They are all candidates who are not just in this election to make up the numbers but looking to secure seats on the council.
“I am pleased to be able to offer electors the chance to vote for the consistent and principled stand TUV is known for. No one is wondering what our stance on Winsor Whitewash will be the day after the election. That is, sadly, not the case with others. 66,000 TUV votes last year helped keep Unionism honest. If Unionism wants strength, not weakness, then TUV 1 is the only option in the upcoming election.”