TUV have announced that Lisbellaw farmer and former UDR soldier Donald Crawford will contest Fermanagh and South Tyrone for the party.
This follows the withdrawal of Alex Elliot from the contest for personal reasons.
Mr Crawford is married to Evelyn for 23 years and has a 20 year old son.
He is a member of the three Loyal Orders, holding the office of Deputy Master in his own lodge, Derryclavin 729 and Past President of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Brookeborough Mitchelbourne Club. He is also a member of RPB 392 Lisbellaw.
Donald served his country for 25 years as a part time soldier in the Ulster Defence Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment and is currently vice-chairman of the Lisbellaw Veterans Group which is campaigning for the full implementation of the Military Covenant in Northern Ireland.
His interests include clay pigeon shooting, fishing and marching bands.
Commenting on his decision to contest the election Donald said:
“I joined TUV because I believe in the need for fundamental change in our Stormont institutions.
“In Jim Allister I recognise the one man standing up fearlessly in Stormont against its waste, failure and perversion of basic democratic norms.
“I am also sick of the constant pandering to Sinn Fein/IRA and pledge to take a consistent and strong stand for traditional Unionism.
“The recent awarding of over £5,000 in public money to finance a graphic novel about Bobby Sands is a reminder of what the new Northern Ireland is really like under Stormont. Propagandists for the process will claim that we want to build a shared and united society yet here we have taxpayers’ money going to fund a publication glorifying the life of someone who split the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone right down the middle and whose election still causes hurt to this day.
“Remember – within a few years of Sands’ election as an MP his organisation was blowing his former constituents up for going to a Remembrance Service.
“I also want to see a better deal for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The disproportionate focus of Invest NI on Belfast and Londonderry has meant that Fermanagh and South Tyrone has been left behind when it comes to job creation. I will fight to change that. Additionally, with TUV’s clear stand on the EU you know that we will end the open borders policy by liberating us from Brussels and freeing jobs up for local people.
“Education is also a huge issue in this constituency. The closure of the Collegiate Grammar in Enniskillen is just the latest attack on the controlled sector. TUV will make the defence of controlled schools in the West of the Province a top priority. I pledge to be a voice which is fearless and unapologetic when it comes to standing up for the Unionist and Protestant community.
TUV leader Jim Allister added: “Many people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone kindly voted for me in the European election in 2014, I now look forward to an MLA from the constituency strengthening my hand in the next Assembly. I am delighted that Donald Crawford has come forward.
“You know where you stand with TUV. We don’t do rollover. If you want more of the same failure and crisis at Stormont, then TUV is not for you. But if you want better and your rejection of the present shambles to count, make TUV your voice.”
Both Mr Crawford and Mr Allister wish to place on record their deep appreciation for all the work Alex Elliot has put into the party in Fermanagh and South Tyrone over the last number of years and the contribution which he will continue to make.
Mr Elliot added:
“I am unable to contest the upcoming election but I am delighted that the party has been able to find a candidate of Donald’s calibre to fill the gap and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail.
“He is a man of great principle and integrity and will make a superb representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in Stormont.”