Unionists urged to back Devenney

TWO former unionist mayors of Londonderry have urged members of the unionist community to put their 'X' beside Maurice Devenney's name in tomorrow's general election.

William Hay and Joe Miller said their DUP colleague had proved himself a tireless worker since he was first elected onto Derry City Council.

Mr Hay, who won almost 7,000 votes in the last Westminster election called on all unionists to give their support to his successor in the battle for the Foyle seat. Many unionists believe that Mr Hay would have polled even higher in the last general election but for tactical voting by some 2,000 unionists who voted for the SDLP amid fears that Sinn Fein might snatch the seat.

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This time, however, both the main unionist parties have highlighted the role of the SDLP in the bitter name change issue in a bid to keep unionist votes in unionist hands.

Mr Hay said: “I would appeal to all unionists to support Maurice Devenney. He’s a local councillor who lives in the area, understands its needs and offers a listening ear and a helping hand. He has been a tireless worker since entering the council and people have seen that for themselves. He also worked on so many community and local issues, and has also worked with me to try to get a resolution to the parades issue in Londonderry.

“Maurice has also worked hard to ensure that unionist areas get a fair share of funding. A lot more has to be done on that issue, but Maurice Devenney and I are at the forefront of trying to secure a better deal for unionist communities.

“He has very strong unionist credentials and is someone who can be approached for help with any issue. Unionists also need to demonstrate that they have a voice that needs to be heard in this city. As much as this is an election about who represents Foyle at Westminster, it’s also about showing there’s a unionist community with a strong voice.”

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Joe Miller echoed Mr Hay’s views and said Mr Devenney had proven himself within Derry City Council.

He added: “I would ask people to come out and support Maurice Devenney. I have worked with him for a number of years since he was elected to the council, and he has been a very hard worker who has proved he has what it takes to represent constituents well.”

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