TUV have announced that Mel Lucas will contest South Antrim for the party in the upcoming Assembly election.
Mel served as a councillor from 2005 to 2011 and has been a resident of South Antrim his entire adult life. He has a strong background in agriculture and the building industry and understands the challenges faced by small businesses.
Married to Diane, Mel has four children.
He is active in his local Orange Lodge, Ballyrobert 389, and is chairman of the board of governors of a local primary school; Loanends.
Speaking about his decision to stand for TUV Mel said:
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to contest the upcoming Assembly election for a party which has demonstrated that it is in tune with the mood of ordinary Unionists in recent years.
“Grassroots Unionism has lost confidence in the establishment Unionist parties, something reflected in the growth of TUV both in the polls and in local membership and support for the party.
“It is incredible to think that the party which was trusted by the majority of Unionists with their vote was responsible for the construction of the Irish Sea Border which partitions the U.K.. Local Unionist MLAs cannot wash their hands of their role in the imposition of the Poots’ Posts having voted for the legislation necessary for the Sea Border to operate last December.
“Now, on the verge of an election, some would have us believe that they have suddenly rediscovered a backbone but I do not believe that such shameless electioneering will wash. People know that it was left to Jim Allister alone to take the fight against the iniquitous Protocol in the Assembly when others were meekly voting to implement it.
“As the day of reckoning approaches I look forward to the Unionist people of South Antrim passing their verdict.”
TUV leader Jim Allister added:
“I am pleased to be able to offer the people of South Antrim the opportunity to vote for TUV in the upcoming election. Mel brings experience in both agriculture and business to the table and I believe that he will provide the people of South Antrim with a principled voice in the next Assembly.”