McKay and McMullan to contest election for Sinn Fein

Mr McKay, whose selection was backed by all cumainn (branches) in the constituency, said: “Sinn Fin has gone from strength to strength in this constituency in recent years and that is in no small part due to the high level of work which our members and councillors engage in on the ground and also the work which is carried out at the Assembly, both of which are of equal importance.

“This election will be a significant one as it will provide the opportunity for Sinn Fin to confirm its position as the largest party in the north, a party that puts unity, equality and rights at the forefront of its work and policies.

“We will continue to engage in constructive governance based on equality and premised on community based politics. We will not engage in a charade.

“The failure thus far by the DUP to honour the St. Andrews obligation is symptomatic of a much bigger problem - their refusal to work partnership government, and in particular to work the office of OFM/dFM properly.

“The only agreement worth reaching is one which deals with this core issue. The political institutions can work and can deliver – but only if they function on the basis they were established. They are not sustainable otherwise.

“Equality and partnership are central to all of this.

"The next election will be an important one, one in which I will continue to campaign on the important issues that effect people’s daily lives within this constituency. The issue of adequate housing provision throughout North Antrim, tackling sectarianism and inequality, highlighting and tackling the drugs scourge, making our roads safer and generating much needed economic investment are all issues that we will continue to work on."

Speaking after being selected as Sinn Fin’s Westminster candidate by the party membership in East Antrim Cllr Oliver McMullan continued:

“It is an honour to represent the party in East Antrim, especially at a time when Sinn Fin is growing in strength significantly in this area.

“With the electoral boundary changes being implemented it clearly creates a quota for a nationalist seat in East Antrim, a seat that Sinn Fin is best placed to take at the next Assembly election.

“I look forward to the campaign ahead and have every confidence in the strength of our party activists and supporters; I also commend them for the ongoing work that they have been engaged in, with me, on behalf of citizens in this constituency.”