20/02/2013

Lutton Confirmed As Mid-Ulster Unionist Candidate

Nigel Lutton has been officially confirmed as the joint unionist candidate for the Mid-Ulster by-election.

His nomination was confirmed at the Ballymena Electoral Office on Tuesday.

Mr Lutton was accompanied by DUP leader Peter Robinson and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt.

Commenting after the nomination papers were handed in, Mr Robinson said: "I am delighted that we have an agreed unionist candidate for Mid-Ulster. Nigel is a terrific candidate with a great local knowledge and a heart for the community.

"This election gives the people of Mid-Ulster the opportunity to have representation in the House of Commons. For sixteen years they have had an absentee MP. When important decisions have been made in Parliament, the people of Mid-Ulster have not had a say. This election gives them the opportunity to change this situation."

Mr Lutton will contest the Mid-Ulster seat following the stepping down of Martin McGuinness. The Sinn Féin MP and deputy First Minister gave up his seat as his party commits to end 'double jobbing'.

But many have denounced the decision to run a joint candidate as divisive.

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone will run for the seat. He said: "The divisive politics of McGuinness versus McCrea is the politics of the past. The parties, who will strive during this campaign to place a sectarian headcount, focusing on flags and border polls, are failing to recognise about the struggles faced by people across Mid Ulster. The politics that dominated Mid Ulster over the past 15 years are of no benefit to people who are looking for work, trying to pay their bills, run a business or raise a family."

The Mid-Ulster By-Election will take place on 7 March.

(IT/GK)

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