Paisley Jnr hands in nomination papers

Speaking at the Electoral office in Ballymena after receipt of his formal nomination papers for the general election, Mr Paisley said: “For several weeks now I have been busily canvassing voters and urging them to use their vote and elect me as the Member of Parliament for this constituency. I have a track record of representation second to none.

“I have served this constituency for 14 years and have delivered a full time, professional service that has delivered real and meaningful help to thousands of constituents from all across the constituency.

“I am not seeking support on some misplaced sentiment but because I believe I can best represent the people in our national parliament,” he said.

The DUP candidate continued: “North Antrim needs a voice in parliament that is in touch with the needs of our farmers, our business people, those in employment and those seeking employment and for the elderly. North Antrim also requires an MP who knows the constituency.

“Over the term of the next parliament attention will be focused on how the nation emerges from the recession. Northern Ireland will require a team of representatives who can work to secure a deal for us all and North Antrim needs an MP who has a strategy and a plan to address our local needs and see to it that North Antrim gets its fair share in any arrangements made”.

Mr Paisley said that he had outlined a strategy that deals with local jobs, housing, investment, farming and delivery of social services as well as a plan to see additional support for pensioners.

“The fact is North Antrim needs a representative that will take us forward, strengthening the union and delivering hope, help, and hard work for the people,” he said.

“As I have campaigned and travelled the length and breadth of North Antrim I am struck by the number of people who want to see unionist unity - something I agree with. I'm glad my party was instrumental in helping achieve unionist unity west of the Bann in Fermanagh”.

Mr Paisley said being on the campaign trail had also made him aware that many voters in North Antrim “are disgusted” at the potential for vote splitting by some other unionist candidates.

“The fact is all that those other unionist candidates will achieve is a split in unionism and far worse a lowering of the moral of the unionist people that's why a strong vote for Ian Paisley will send out a strong message that we have a voice with authority that will be listened to,” he said.

Mr Paisley went on to express his delight at the proposers and seconders who had backed his nomination.

He said: “My list includes stalwarts from the party as well as a family member, two clergymen, a well known and respected farmer, the Grand Master of the Orange Order, a Queen’s University professor and some very well known local businessmen, sportsmen and party activists.

“I believe my nomination demonstrates that my party is a voice for this constituency speaking for all sections and all sectors. I am delighted with this support”.