Harbinson 'in it to win it' for TUV in Lagan Valley

Speaking following his unanimous selection last Thursday, Mr Harbinson said he was "humbled to be offered the chance to stand as the voice for Unionism in Lagan Valley".

And he pledged: "We are in it to win it.

"This campaign will present a huge challenge to us as a party, but I believe that with the support that we have, we can offer a viable and very real alternative to the shambolic government offered currently by a crop of politicians tainted by sleaze and self interest."

Mr Harbinson claimed that in recent times representing Lagan Valley in Westminster has proved 'more of a distraction than a commitment for our current MP', who is also an MLA and a councillor.

"Mr Donaldson has been absent on crucial votes such as those on a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and the attempts to reduce the abortion threshold below 24 weeks. Even when he has been there he has remained silent, such as when the legislation was brought before the House of Commons that today brings the gift of First Minister within Martin McGuinness' grasp" Mr Harbinson said.

"This is sadly the cost we in this constituency have had to pay for a triple jobbing MP."

Mr Harbinson said that being from the local area meant he knew the local needs.

"Educated in Wallace High School, I appreciate how vital it is to preserve our excellent grammar schools and save them from destruction at the hands of Sinn Fein/IRA" he said.

"I also pledge to fight against plans which will inevitably result in the Maze becoming a Mecca for Republicans in the heart of this strongly Unionist constituency. The disgraceful decision of local MLA and Environment Minister Edwin Poots not to remove the protection of listed status from these ugly buildings is one which we will expose in our literature and on the door steps.

"I look forward to offering the people of Lagan Valley the chance to have a full time MP, an MP who will stand up and speak as their voice.

"It will be a significant challenge to overturn one of the biggest majorities in the Kingdom, but I believe the solid traditional unionist principles and policies that our party stands for will be a rallying point for all who seek a better stronger Northern Ireland."