TUV has announced its full candidate line up for the 2016 Assembly elections.
The party will run a total of 15 candidates across 14 constituencies.
Commenting on the election party leader Jim Allister said:
“In this election TUV will offer more people than ever before the opportunity to vote for the party in an Assembly election.
“TUV is not only the authentic voice of opposition to the tawdry regime in Stormont, we are the torchbearers for democratising Stormont.
“You get what you vote for. The choice is to vote for the same old faces and parties and more of the same failure. More of the same waste of millions of pounds. More of the same crises. More of the same excuses. Alternatively people can vote for new vision, a new start, a politics of principle, not expediency. You’ve seen what one determined TUV voice can do – Ann’s Law (the first victory for innocent victims in years), leading the campaign for a Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, a relentless campaign for a better deal for taxpayers when it comes to Stormont squander and 24/7 opposition to Republicanism. Think what we could do with multiple MLAs.
“With TUV you know you will get straight talking and principled politics. Strengthen my hand by voting for us on Election Day.”
Mid Ulster – Hannah Loughrin
Hannah Loughrin has lived all her life in the Orritor area of Cookstown. Married to Johnny Young. A public relations graduate she is a skilled communicator, able to speak up for the people of Mid Ulster. Employed as Airline cabin crew. Associate in Girls Brigade. A committed Northern Ireland football fan. Keen interest in marching bands.
Able and motivated, Hannah has the ability to give Mid Ulster the representation it has long needed in the Assembly.
South Belfast – John Hiddleston
John Hiddleston has lived and worked in South Belfast for most of his adult life. An Economics graduate from Queen’s University, he has been a director and shareholder of several small businesses. Supported Rev. Martin Smyth, former MP for South Belfast, as a traditional Unionist, in resisting the weak policies of David Trimble. Previously stood for the Assembly in 2003.
East Belfast – Councillor Andrew Girvin
Cllr Andrew Girvin represents Castlereagh East on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and operates regular advice centres. Married with four children. He and his wife Nicola are qualified foster carers and have been involved in youth work for many years. Strong belief in family values. Self-employed for several years within the food industry, Andrew strongly believes in supporting local businesses and start-ups. A fervent campaigner against animal cruelty.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone – Donald Crawford
Donald Crawford is a farmer from Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. Served for 25 years as a part time soldier in the UDR and RIR. Vice-chairman of the Lisbellaw Veterans Group. Campaigning for the full implementation of the Military Covenant in Northern Ireland. Married to Evelyn with a 20 year old son.
Passionate about his culture, Donald is an active member of the Loyal Orders. His interests include clay pigeon shooting, fishing and marching bands.
Upper Bann – Roy Ferguson
Roy Ferguson lives in Lurgan with his wife Caroline. A family man he has a strong Christian faith which has sustained him over the years. Passionate about his culture Roy has been involved with the Loyal Orders for over forty years. A member of FAIR (Families Acting for Innocent Relatives), Roy is proud to stand up for innocent victims and against the victim- makers.
South Down – Councillor Henry Reilly
Cllr Henry Reilly, first elected to council in 1989, has an unrivaled reputation as a hard working public representative who gets things done. Born and reared in South Down in a farming family he has always taken a keen interest in the fishing, farming and small business sectors. Henry has served as Mayor and at every level of local government. With service in the RIR he is a strong supporter of innocent victims of terrorism; Chair of South Down Police and Combined Services Memorial Committee. Chair of the Kingdom Of Mourne History Society. Past WM of Cranfield LOL 907.
North Belfast – John Miller
John Miller is a 28 year old father of two who is employed in the agri-food sector. Interested in the local community, he wants government services in housing, education and health that are fit for purpose. Second best is not good enough for North Belfast. Involved in the Orange Order he is Secretary of his local Lodge. A committed unionist, John joined the TUV because he was impressed with the party’s stand against Sinn Fein and for innocent victims.
East Antrim – Ruth Wilson
Cllr Ruth Wilson since elected to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council has demonstrated hard work and dedication on behalf of the area. Lifetime resident in East Antrim. Mother of 3 teenage children she fully understands the needs and pressures of modern family life. Ruth is a committed Christian and worships at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle. Active in local cultural activities and member of McMaster Memorial Accordion Band. Keen interest in equine and agricultural sectors. With 30 years’ experience working in the Health Service Ruth is passionate about the NHS.
East Londonderry – Jordan Armstrong
Jordan Armstrong lives outside Londonderry. An ex-serviceman who served with the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment in Afghanistan. A husband and a father of two children, he understands the pressures on ordinary families. Works in the agricultural industry. Jordan as part of a new generation of politicians represents the future and has a passion to make a real lasting difference for the people of East Londonderry.
Lagan Valley – Lyle Rea
Lyle Rea, married to Hilda with three adult children, lives in the constituency. Elder in his local Presbyterian Church. A lifelong Unionist wedded to Traditional Unionist values. Most of his career in the agri-food sector. He spent 20 years in senior positions within the RUAS; past Chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board Shearing Committee and Golden Shears World Council. Served on Dept of Agriculture’s industry advisory committee. Has significant experience dealing with senior civil servants and Government Ministers.
North Antrim – Jim Allister and Timothy Gaston
The authentic voice of Opposition in Stormont and scourge of its waste and failure, Jim Allister has demonstrated his ability to deliver not just accountability but positive legislative change, like Ann’s Law – banning terrorists as Special Advisers and obtaining pension parity for RUC widows. Named by BBC ‘The View’ as the best MLA in Stormont. A QC he knows how to fight your corner. Lives near Kells with his wife Ruth.
Timothy is a Bannside councillor, where he famously topped the poll in 2014. Now concluding an incredibly active and successful year as Deputy Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, he is ready to serve you in Stormont. Young and enthusiastic he works exceptionally hard for his constituents. Born and bred in North Antrim he cares deeply about its prosperity and future. Works as a Fire, Health and Safety Officer in Ballymena.
North Down – John Brennan
John Brennan is an ex-serviceman who saw service in Iraq. Married to Gillian, he works in the agricultural industry. Active member of the Loyal Orders with deep interest in cultural and historical issues. Deeply involved in the community through advice services. Dismayed by the failure of Stormont, he wants to see delivery on health, education and all frontline services. Hence, his commitment to obtaining devolution that works.
South Antrim – Richard Cairns
Richard Cairns is married to Clare and lives in his hometown of Antrim. Educated locally and at Queen’s University he works as a personal assistant to Jim Allister, responsible for handling hundreds of constituency cases. Active in the community, he serves as a Governor at Ballycraigy Primary School, a Director of Antrim Enterprise Agency, as well as being involved in the Loyal Orders and Greystone Presbyterian Church. As Vice Chairman of TUV he stands in defence of traditional unionist values, and offers South Antrim the principled leadership needed in challenging times.
Strangford – Councillor Stephen Cooper
Cllr Stephen Cooper lives in his hometown of Comber. A former UDR soldier, Stephen is passionate about a ercare service for veterans and is mental health champion of the Borough Council. During twenty years of involvement in local politics, Stephen has steadfastly maintained his opposition to the appeasement of terrorism and the elevation of IRA/Sinn Fein into executive government. He advocates a complete overhaul of the dysfunctional Stormont.