Banbridge launch for Simpson campaign

Upper Bann MP David Simpson and Craigavon Councillor Carla Lockhart at Kilmore Orange Hall which was damaged in an arson attack.

The sitting MP launched his re-election campaign in Banbridge Old Town Hall. This is the first time in recent years that the DUP have held their launch in the town.

Mr Simpson, who has been the Member of Parliament for Upper Bann since 2005, was unanimously selected by the local association members on Monday night (November 10).

The launch night was attended by local community groups, business people, schools, DUP representatives and those who have played a key role during Mr Simpson’s time as MP.

During his speech to the packed Banbridge Hall, Mr Simpson said: “On May 7, 2015 the 56th UK Parliamentary election will take place when 64.1 million people across the entire Kingdom will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote for the candidate they want to represent them within the House of Commons.

“On that day you will have the choice to vote for a Member of Parliament to represent you.

“I urge you tonight as we hurtle towards the Westminster Election to weigh up my achievements to date, and listen to the vision I have for this premier Parliamentary Constituency of Upper Bann.

“I have and continue to count it an honour and a privilege to serve you the people of Upper Bann within the House of Commons.

“When elected in 2005 I gave a commitment to the people of this area that I would be a grass roots politician, I gave a commitment that I would be accessible and consistent in my approach and I undertook to run a top class, unrivalled constituency service within Portadown, Banbridge and Lurgan servicing both urban and rural dwellers.”

Mr Simpson was first elected to Craigavon Borough Council in 2001 and served as mayor in 2004-2005.

At the 2005 Westminster election Mr Simpson successfully took the seat from the Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble.

He was also re-elected to the Stormont Assembly in 2007 but resigned from both the Assembly and the Council after being returned to Westminster in 2010.

Mr Simpson is the DUP spokesperson for Business and Education, as well as for community and local government.

He is also heavily involved in youth work and drug rehabilitation.