Larne Councillor Joins Alliance Party

Northern Ireland's 'middle-ground' Alliance Party has won a further recruit with news that an independent councillor in Co Antrim has joined.

Michael Lynch is a councillor for the Larne Town area and has served on the Council since 2006.

East Antrim Alliance MLA Seán Neeson (pictured left, with Cllr Lynch) said: "I am very proud to welcome Michael to Alliance. He is a strong local campaigner and works hard for the whole community in Larne.

"We will have a very strong team of candidates for the forthcoming elections across East Antrim and the fact that Michael has joined us shows the momentum Alliance has, not just in this area but across Northern Ireland.

"We are attracting new members from all backgrounds because people see that Alliance is leading change in creating a shared future and delivering for everyone," he said.

"Cllr Michael Lynch said: "I am excited about joining the Alliance Party because they are a party for all, and a party with massive momentum.

"I am a campaigner who works on the ground to deliver improved services and address issues that concern people.

"Naomi Long (Alliance's Westminster MP) has proved that hard work delivers real change, and I believe that Alliance is the party that is leading the way towards a new, shared society," he said.

"Politics should be about issues and policy, not tired tribal arguments. Alliance believes in positive politics and delivers solutions and radical ideas.

"There are massive challenges facing our society regarding the economy and budget, and Alliance is working to protect vital services and help create jobs through implementing a strong skills strategy. Alliance is growing and growing as a party, and is also setting the agenda.

"I believe that the elections this year will see these positive trends continue," said Mr Lynch, who grew up in the Larne Harbour area.

He has worked as a pharmacist and ran a pharmacy at Craigyhill. When Larne Health Centre opened he became Managing Director of that pharmacy until he retired.

Michael was awarded an MBE for services to the community through his Citizens' Advice work and he is currently Chair of the Townparks' Residents Group.

Ulster Unionists, Paula Bradshaw, Harry Hamilton and Trevor Ringland all resigned recently after standing on the joint ticket with the Conservatives at the 2010 general election.

Mr Hamilton and Ms Bradshaw subsequently joined the Alliance Party.

Paula Bradshaw said the UUP was no longer a "viable vehicle" for her political vision.

"I want to see moderate, progressive politics in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionists are going in the opposite direction as far as I'm concerned, so it was no longer a viable vehicle for me," Ms Bradshaw commented.

Alliance leader David Ford has welcomed Ms Bradshaw and the others to the party.

"People are finding a strong and clear voice in Alliance and that bodes very well for the future," he said.

(BMcC/GK)