Mackle says council by-election is important for political process

Mr Mackle said: “I am honoured to be standing on behalf of Sinn Fin in this by-election.

"For me the real attraction of being a councillor is in the constituency work and the opportunities it offers for improving the social, economic and cultural life of the borough.”

He added: “The physical conditions for fighting an election couldn’t be worse with dark nights and terrible weather conditions but it is essential that we get across to the electorate the political importance of this by-election.

“It is not merely about a vacant seat on Craigavon council, it is an opportunity for the public to have their voice heard.

“It is an opportunity for the electorate to have a say on the political process.

“It is an opportunity to speak out on whether or not they want a process that reflects equality and takes account of the differences that exist within our society or a return to the bad old days of a single party apartheid system.”

He went on: “By voting Sinn Fin the voter will ensure that the message delivered is a positive one, that it is a message to keep politics moving forward and that it says clearly ‘there is no going back’.

“To deliver that message we have to maximise our vote and ensure the people‘s voice is heard. From now, until election day is going to be a busy period for our election team but in the end it is the voter who decides the outcome. I would like to take this opportunity to call on all those voters within the Lurgan DEA who believe Sinn Fin is pursuing the right policies and direction to come out on January 13 and make their voices heard.”

Mr Mackle’s election agent Councillor Johnny McGibbon commented: “In Liam Mackle, Sinn Fin has an excellent candidate.

“His intellectual ability speaks for itself, but more importantly, as a party member, he has a proven commitment to working for the people of the Craigavon council area.

“Liam has always given unstintingly of his time and his expertise in assisting our elected representatives and I look forward to working with him, in the future, in a new role as a councillor.”