Save Our Sperrins giving public opportunity to grill 9 potential MLAs at hustings

Save Our Sperrins, a community campaign group set up to protect the interests of those living in the mountains, is to host a political hustings night with nine '˜would be' MLAs.
Save our Sperrins want more done to protect the 'area of outstanding natural beauty'Save our Sperrins want more done to protect the 'area of outstanding natural beauty'
Save our Sperrins want more done to protect the 'area of outstanding natural beauty'

The event, which is to be held next Tuesday (April 19) in Greencastle Community Centre, promises to give local people the chance to personally grill politicians on issues that matter to them.

And a representative from every party - except the DUP and SDLP - have confirmed their attendance.

The group, which has been very vocal in its opposition to a goldmine and mass wind farms in the Sperrins said it “wants to see good planning in the public interest”.

Group chair, Cormac McAleer explained: “The Save Our Sperrins (SOS) group is organising what promises to be a very interesting night, with many hot topics likely to be on the agenda, as well as taking in all aspects of community life in the area.

“SOS wants to ensure there is no uncertainty where candidates in the forthcoming election stand on the issue of Dalradian’s mining proposal for Greencastle/Curraghinalt.

“Nine would-be MLAs will be in attendance to answer questions from the public, with Colm Bradley Director of Community Places in the chair.

“Opportunities to have the politicians answer questions directly to the voting public don’t come around very often,” he added. “This hustings event is a first for Greencastle and one which Save Our Sperrins urges everyone to attend.”

Starting at 7.30pm next Tuesday, candidates who have confirmed their attendance include:

Stephen Donnelly - Alliance

Barry Brown - CISTA

Roger Lomas - Conservative & Unionist party

Ciaran McClean - Green Party

Corey French - Independent

Sorcha McAnespy -Independent

Dr Josephine Deehan - Independent

Declan McAleer - Sinn Fein

Ross Hussey - UUP

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