War widow steps into the political arena

Brenda Hale has never fought an election before, but is standing as a DUP candidate in Lagan Valley. She decided to get involved after the tragic death of her husband in Afghanistan. Mrs Hale said she had felt abandoned by the military and campaigned, along with Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, for greater support for war widows.

“After Mark died issues arose and I found I was able to use my voice better than some of the other widows,” explained Mrs Hale.

After campaigning with Mr Donaldson on behalf of war widows, Mrs Hale approached the DUP, offering to do some voluntary work. She canvassed for them in the last Westminster election when Mr Donaldson retained his Lagan Valley seat.

However, this was not her first foray into the world of politics, having also canvassed on behalf of the Conservative Party when she lived in England.

Mrs Hale, who has a degree in Social Policy and Criminology, trained as a classroom assistant and worked for many years with children in mainstream schools with special education needs.

Despite a natural interest in politics, she believes it is her “real world” experience, rather than her political experience that will engage the electorate in the upcoming election.

Originally from Bangor, Mrs Hale lived in England and Germany with her family before husband Mark was stationed at Thiepval Barracks and the Hales settled in Dromara. Mrs Hale has taken Lagan Valley to her heart however, and she is passionate about the potential in the area and is keen to work to promote Lisburn and the surrounding towns and villages if she wins a seat in the Stormont Assembly.

“I chose to live in Lagan Valley because it is one of the best places to live,” she explained. “The towns and villages have so much potential and I am fed up of politicians talking Lagan Valley down.”

Mrs Hale is being supported on the campaign trail by her two daughters Victoria (18) and Alexandra (9). But she also knows she has another cheerleader, who is always on her mind and whom she knows will be supporting her all the way.

“Mark is a massive inspiration to me,” she said. “He was a real people person. He was always involved with rugby and rowing and the Regiment. He wasn’t self serving, he was just looking after his boys and that is what cost him his life.

“I can feel Mark at my shoulder. I know it is going to be difficult but I also know he is behind me.”

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