DUP choose Ian McCrea to contest Mid Ulster Westminster seat

But, in accepting the challenge, he has hit out at other unionist parties operating in the area for putting “self-interest before the good of the constituency”.

He said: “I feel that the best way to challenge SF in this seat would be with a single agreed unionist candidate.”

“Delighted and honoured” to have been chosen to fight for the role again, Ian McCrea added: “Since 1997, the people of Mid Ulster have had an absentee MP, due to the nonsensical stance taken by Sinn Fein not to attend Westminster, while adopting the hypocritical position of accepting all the expenses that come with the position.

“It’s unfortunate that other unionist parties have put self-interest before the good of the constituency. The DUP wants to see unionists working together. There is more that unites us than divides us.”

He went on to say he is looking forward to the election contest, adding: “I am the candidate that stands for real and meaningful change for our community and with two full-time constituency office serving all the people, I have a proven record of working at the grass roots level of the community.

“It is important that everyone understands what is at stake. Do we want another four years of being misrepresented or do we want someone who will actually work for the people of the area, and speak out for them on the green benches at Westminster?”