Westminster #Election2015: Mid Ulster unionist voters feeling ‘sold out’

With just a week until the Westminster election, there is growing concern over apparent voter apathy among Mid Ulster unionists.
Counting begins at the Mid Ulster by-election at Cookstown Leisure centreCounting begins at the Mid Ulster by-election at Cookstown Leisure centre
Counting begins at the Mid Ulster by-election at Cookstown Leisure centre

Former Cookstown councillor Robert Kelly said the feeling among protestant voters “is not good” and that “as far as people are concerned, they’re feeling sold out.

“I would say that the election is going to be a shock for some people,” he told the Mail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s either going to be a case were people are not going to bother voting at all, or they’re going to vote tactically.

UUP candidate Sandra Overend rejects claims of voter apathy among unionistsUUP candidate Sandra Overend rejects claims of voter apathy among unionists
UUP candidate Sandra Overend rejects claims of voter apathy among unionists

“In the Westminster election people know it’s an unwinnable situation.”

When the Mail put this sentiment to the Westminster candidates for both the DUP and UUP, they both voiced opposing views.

The UUP’s Sandra Overend rejected the claim saying: “I have received a very positive response on the doorsteps across Mid Ulster.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In fact, I have had to order an additional supply of campaign leaflets which I have been handing out on the doorsteps.”

DUP candidate Ian McCrea says he is 'under no illusion that there is apathy amongst Unionist voters'DUP candidate Ian McCrea says he is 'under no illusion that there is apathy amongst Unionist voters'
DUP candidate Ian McCrea says he is 'under no illusion that there is apathy amongst Unionist voters'

But DUP candidate, Ian McCrea said: “I am under no illusion that there is apathy amongst unionist voters in the area.

Unionists are concerned that the number of candidates only serves to split the vote and diminish our voice. It is vital however that the unionist voice in Mid Ulster is heard loudly and clearly.”

Meanwhile, Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy has raised concerns after a number of Mid Ulster voters “have been removed from the electoral register without notice”.

More #Election2015 online - www.midulstermail.co.uk

Related topics: