TUV has announced that councillor Harold McKee will be the party’s South Down candidate in next year’s Assembly election.
Councillor McKee previously served as a UUP MLA for South Down from 2016 to 2017 and currently represents the Mournes on Newry, Mourne and Down council.
Commenting councillor McKee said:
“I am delighted to have received the backing of local TUV members to carry the party standard in South Down. Since joining the party a number of weeks ago I have been made to feel most welcome. I have also be struck by the enthusiasm inside what is clearly a growing party whose message is clearly resonating across Northern Ireland and particularly in South Down where Unionism has always had a strong traditional streak.
“It is also obvious to me that TUV is reaching well beyond what has been the party’s traditional core vote. Since the introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol there have been many people who have come to the conclusion that Jim Allister is the only voice they have in the Assembly. He’s been the consistent politician speaking up for ordinary people and I believe there is a real determination in South Down to send someone from this constituency to join him in the battle.
“Those who, like myself, were until recently, supporters and even members of rival political parties will find in TUV a true home. A party which is strong on the Union, strong in opposition to Republicanism and isn’t afraid to take a stand on issues like abortion. Just last week a bill to protect Downs Syndrome babies in the womb was voted down with 50% of UUP MLAs joining the pro-abortion lobby. This to my mind vindicated my decision to join TUV.
“In terms of key local issues, I have always been a strong advocate of the Kilkeel Outer Harbour Project as bringing it to a successful conclusion will provide a considerable number of job opportunities in boat repair, fish landings and fish processing. It also has tremendous potential to increase precision engineering works to support the existing and new businesses around the harbour.
“I believe in supporting our agri-food sector in producing first-class local products rather than a reduction of the industry to meet supposed climate change demands. It is madness to suggest that we should take 50% or more of our animals and slaughter them and export the means of meeting our needs to the rainforests of Brazil. It’s bad for farming – and commonsense will tell you it’s also bad for the planet. If returned to Stormont I pledge to add my voice to those bringing a bit of common sense to this debate.”
TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“I am delighted to be able to offer the people of South Down a candidate of Harold’s ability and integrity. Like many who have joined TUV in recent months both as members and supporters, Harold shows that our party is growing well beyond its traditional base. When he was an MLA I saw that Harold was a man of strong principles with a heart for the people of South Down. I look forward to seeing him return to the Stormont benches next year.”