Councillor reaches out to older voters

Lisburn Councillor Robbie Butler says the role and contribution of pensioner power in the constituency should not be underestimated.
Councillor Robbie ButlerCouncillor Robbie Butler
Councillor Robbie Butler

Mr Butler, who earlier this year called for crimes against the elderly to be designated hate crimes, said senior citizens should never become “society’s forgotten sector”.

He said: “We should never underestimate the contribution the older people in our constituency can provide to the betterment of community life.

“They have much experience and expertise to offer Lagan Valley.

“Since becoming an elected UUP councillor I have continued to represent the interests of the constituency’s older people.

“Myself and the UUP have taken note that the older vote is increasing.

“In the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1984 to 16 per cent in 2009.

“The truth is that people are living longer and staying healthier longer.

“Political parties ignore the older voter at their peril, and I intend to work closely with the Older People’s Commissioner to ensure their interests are effectively represented.

“Ageism is not just deeply unattractive to older voters; it really annoys them.

“It is only a matter of time until older voters get properly organised.

Politicians who place too much emphasis on young voters are in danger of losing their core of older voters.”