Dickson chosen to fight for East Antrim seat

An MLA since 2011, Mr Dickson said the Alliance Party’s commitment to delivering a shared future across East Antrim and its vow to end double jobbing has left its candidates fully focussed on delivering at Westminster for local people.

The Greenisland man added: “I am proud to have been selected by party members from right across East Antrim. The Alliance Party offers voters a clear alternative to the tribal politics of the past. We believe in a Northern Ireland free from sectarianism, intimidation and social exclusion, a place where all cultures and traditions are welcomed and celebrated.

“Since my election to Carrickfergus Council, and now at the Assembly, I have worked hard for constituents from all backgrounds and am focussed on the job in hand – something that can’t be said of our current MP, who holds seats in both in the Northern Ireland Assembly and Westminster.”

Mr Dickson said: “While the DUP might claim to be against double-jobbing, Alliance has actually taken direct action to end the practice. When Naomi Long, MP was elected in 2010 she immediately stepped down from the Assembly, to be completely focused on delivering the best for her constituents at Westminster.

“I’m standing to offer voters of East Antrim a real alternative – an MP solely focussed on working for all constituents at Westminster. If you believe in the Alliance Party’s vision for progress in East Antrim and Northern Ireland, step forward with us and help make it happen.”