The TUV has confirmed that local Councillor Keith Ratcliffe will represent the party at July’s General Election.
The Laurelvale man currently represents the Cusher Ward on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, having been returned at the last local government elections.
Now the TUV man says he is “delighted” at having been selected to go to the polls for Newry and Armagh.
Councillor Ratcliffe is the third candidate to date confirmed for the constituency. Fellow ABC Cusher councillor, Alderman Gareth Wilson, will also stand, as will former Newry and Mourne councillor Daire Hughes, representing Sinn Fein.
The seat is currently held by Sinn Fein’s Mickey Brady but will not contest it this time around.
Keith Ratcliffe is the latest to throw their hat into the ring.
He said: “This election has been called at a time when Northern Ireland continues to be treated as a lesser part of the United Kingdom as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol. As a locally elected representative, I have seen first hand the disastrous impact which the Protocol is having on real life situations. I have had representations from consumers, the agri-food industry, small businesses and many others who feel that the Protocol is adding an increased financial burden on them.
“I want a Northern Ireland that can flourish and grow, however it is fundamentally important that we continue to stay entirely wedded to our largest and best market – Great Britain. However, the Sea Border continues to deprive us of these opportunities for growth and development.
“The Government’s recent legislation on illegal immigration has demonstrated that in Northern Ireland, British law is secondary to foreign EU law, which we can neither make nor change. As a consequence of this, Northern Ireland will now become a magnet for illegal migrants. It is clear that this situation is not feasible.
“The solution is clear – it’s time to fully restore our place within the Union. I’m in the unique position of being the only candidate on the ballot paper in Newry & Armagh who is campaigning to fully restore Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom. That in itself raises a crucial question – who can you trust at this election?
“Others promised blind that the border was gone now they claim it has reappeared again! TUV have called it right from day one. What you see is what you get.
“The Unionist community deserve representatives who will tell it as it is. With the TUV’s vote share continuing to rise in Newry & Armagh over the last two elections, I believe that I am the strongest Unionist candidate on the ballot.
“If, like me, you believe that it’s time to restore the Union, then TUV is the party for you on 4th July. I look forward to getting on the campaign trail and engaging with as many voters as possible.”
