TUV have announced that John Gordon will be the party’s North Down candidate in next year’s Assembly election.
John lives in Bangor with his wife and has two grown up sons and a grandson.
He has lived in North Down for 40 years and is an active member of the Loyal Orders, serving as secretary of his Orange Lodge and Royal Black Preceptory.
John has been working in security for twelve years having previously worked in the building industry but due to an injury had to change career.
Commenting on his decision to contest the Assembly election Mr Gordon said:
“I am delighted to have been selected as a candidate for TUV in North Down. Having been involved in politics for 30 years as a grassroots member of the DUP and later the TUV I am looking forward to having the opportunity to put myself before the people of the area I live and work among.
“I understand the concerns of local people and would relish the challenge of seeking to address the lack of social housing in an area where many people have to wait for an inordinate amount of time to get their basic needs met.
“North Down has been let down by the current crop of political representatives.
“Unionists in North Down were left in a state of disbelief when not a single MLA from our
constituency was prepared to vote against the legislation which was necessary for the Protocol to operate when it came before the Assembly. I regularly hear local people say that Jim Allister is the only voice they have in Stormont. In a chamber where 40 elected Unionists that is a dreadful indictment of the state of unionism.
“TUV, small as it was, lead the opposition to the Protocol and as our mushrooming membership in North Down demonstrates that people appreciate this.
“Doubtless there will be those who will beat the old drum that you must vote for us to keep Sinn Fein out. I detect a growing mood within Unionism that this is no longer resonating with the public, particularly when they consider how much Republicans have been able to achieve in the Assembly mandate which is drawing to a close.
“But even if keeping Sinn Fein out of the First Minister’s office is the primary concern of Unionists then the TUV is the party to vote for.
“We alone are pledged not to provide a Unionist deputy to a Sinn Fein First Minister.
“Unless Republicans can find a stooge Unionist willing to serve as deputy they cannot take the post of First Minister. Why won’t others come clean on this matter?
“I am also pleased to stand for a party which is not afraid to take a stand on issues like abortion. I was deeply disturbed by the decision to reject a bill that would have protected Downs Syndrome babies in the womb and pledge to be a strong pro-life voice if given the honour to represent North Down in the Assembly.”