TUV have announced that the party will field six candidates across Ards and North Down.
Holywood and Clandeboye – Diane Adams
Born in Bangor and raised in Holywood, where she still lives, Diane is mum to three daughters. Having been raised on and involved in the family farm, she has a keen interest in agriculture and the countryside. She worked as a PA in manufacturing, retail and estate agency before becoming involved in property acquisition, development and management. Diane holds strong Unionist convictions and family values and is fervent in her desire to improve her local area for all residents, working to ensure that everyone has access to local GP services, attracting visitors and investment to the area and advocating for the disabled. Secretary of her local TUV branch, Diane is firmly anti-Protocol.
Commenting on her decision to stand Mrs Adams said:
“It’s impossible to live in the area and not be aware of the fiasco that is the present Council. From £300,000 of ratepayers’ money squandered on the discarded Greenway proposals to the under use and neglect of our stunning local parks and attractions, and Bangor Seafront Redevelopment, which has spent years stalled in the mire of ineptitude and indecision, our Council has failed us time and again. I call for transparency and accountability and, as a councillor, would demand both, whilst speaking with strength for local Unionists.”
Bangor West – John Gordon
John is a dedicated family man and has been married to his wife, Michelle, for forty years. They have two adult sons and one grandson, who John loves to spend time with.
He served an apprenticeship in the construction industry, where he remained until 1997, when an injury forced him to leave the trade. John has now been working in security for thirteen years.
He is unashamed of his Christian faith, just as he is of his heritage and culture. He joined a flute band in Newry in 1975, joining the Orange Order in 1976 and thereafter the Royal Black Institution. Experience gained through these organisations has equipped him well to help others.
John said:
“I believe that we should see a return to face-to-face GP appointments and will campaign to keep Minor Injuries services for North Down. More help is required for Special Needs children in schools and school children who are struggling with mental health issues need more support.
“I would challenge those parties who are denying the flying the national flag on Council buildings and War Memorials 365 days a year, and support the campaign to achieve this. I would campaign to keep the coastal path and improve it.”
Bangor Central – Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson is a businessman with a strong commitment to family values. He is married with one son and has volunteered for 33 years in a youth organisation in Bangor. Peter has been involved in politics since he was 16 years old and is totally opposed to the Union dismantling Northern Ireland Protocol, fighting for full integration back into the United Kingdom. He believes that the long-delayed Queen’s Parade redevelopment is essential for boosting tourism in Bangor. Peter is committed to ensuring that domestic and commercial rates are spent wisely, and he will work to prevent squandering on cancelled projects such as the Greenway, which has cost Ards and North Down Borough Council £300,000.
Commenting Mr Wilson said:
“I want to see the Union Flag fly across our council 365 days a year and passionately support seafront development as long as it is done correctly. I am opposed to the permanent closure of the Bangor Minor Injuries Unit and the impending closure of Ards MIU, which I believe are vital to the communities they serve. The issue of rates and commercial rates is also of concern to me.”
Newtownards – Eddie Allen
Eddie Allen is a Newtownards man born and bred. Educated in the town (Castle Gardens/Movilla) he has resided in the Newtownards area all his life. He has been employed in H&W/Shorts for 30 years. Eddie is well known for his keen interest in the local football scene having been associated with Greenwell Star FC for many years as a player, administrator and in management, in addition to spending 5 years as a referee within the local league. Eddie is now prepared to devote his energy and commitment to serving the local community at council level.
On being selected as a candidate, Eddie Allen said:
“It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to represent TUV in the council election. Like the Party I will be representing, I’m unapologetically Unionist and pledge continued vigilance in respect of preserving the Union, defending the expression of our British identity and upholding the heritage and culture that the Unionist people of Ards and North Down hold dear. I would count it a great privilege to devote my energy to serving the people of Newtownards as a local councillor.”
Comber – Sam Patterson
Sam Patterson’s family roots are firmly embedded in the Comber area where he has lived all his life. At 20 years of age he will undoubtedly be one of the youngest candidates standing in this election. Sam is currently a student at Queen’s University pursuing a degree course encompassing Politics, Philosophy and Economics. As a member of QUB Orange Society, he is already active in defending and promoting the cultural values that the Unionist community holds dear. A vote for a young man of the calibre of Sam Patterson will be an investment in the future of the Union.
Speaking after his selection, Mr Patterson said:
“If given the honour of being elected, my aim would be to provide the high level of representation and service to the community for which TUV elected representatives are renowned. I will seek to faithfully serve all within the community, but in particular I wish to provide a voice for young people who too often seem to opt out of politics. I am dedicated to the Unionist cause and to preserving our British culture and identity.”
Ards Peninsula – Tom Thompson
Tom Thompson has lived in Ballyhalbert for the past 8 years. His professional background is in security installations and, for some years, he ran his own security company in Bangor. He has also held the position of marketing director of an international company working in a related field. Now semi-retired, Tom keeps occupied by working part-time in the local Spar in Ballyhalbert. He has had a lifelong interest in motorcycles and can often be seen heading out on his Springfield. Tom is also a qualified and proficient photographer. Tom will bring the same hard working and dedicated approach to representing the interests of the community in the council chamber.
On selection as the TUV candidate to contest the Ards Peninsula area, Tom Thompson said:
“First and foremost, I am a conviction Unionist who will seek to be at the forefront in defending the Union and resisting the threat to the integrity of the UK that is inherent in the NI Protocol. I pledge that, in the current challenging economic climate, eliminating waste and securing value for money for ratepayers will be a top priority and I will not be neglectful of the bread and butter issues that affect the daily lives of the people.”