A member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has confirmed forthcoming news regarding their official candidate for the impending general election, vying for the Lagan Valley seat presently occupied by ex-party head, Jeffrey Donaldson. This follows the unexpected announcement by Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, scheduling the countrywide poll for July 4th.
The DUP is tasked with selecting a suitable representative for the Lagan Valley, given Donaldson’s decision to no longer pursue re-election due to his ongoing legal trouble tied to alleged historical sexual misdemeanours – allegations he refutes. DUP East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell, conveyed that the final selection of the party’s candidates, inclusive of Lagan Valley, is yet to be made but will be decided upon shortly. Campbell expressed his confidence in the pool of prospects, stating that their party chief, Gavin Robinson, views them as highly competent.
Two renowned members of the unionist party, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Education Minister Paul Givan, currently serve the constituency. The DUP’s competition for the Lagan Valley seat is likely to be Sorcha Eastwood from the Alliance Party.
It is yet to be ascertained if Naomi Long, the leader of the Alliance Party, will contend against the DUP’s Gavin Robinson in East Belfast. This decision is reportedly due to be finalised within the next few days.
Sinn Féin, the party that has secured the highest number of seats in Assembly and local council elections over the past couple of years, is set to be another major contender. With a one-seat lead over the DUP in the previous election, it’s anticipated that Sinn Féin will be striving for comparable success in the upcoming race.
John Finucane, Sinn Féin’s North Belfast MP, relayed to BBC Good Morning Ulster that the party aims to maintain their current seven seats and expand support in other areas. His party will be focusing on the pressing issue of public services’ underfunding in Northern Ireland during their campaign. He affirmed their commitment to consistently spotlight this issue which impedes the delivery of adequate public services.
Stephen Farry, the North Down MP of the Alliance Party, stated success for his party in the upcoming election would echo the shift in Northern Ireland’s politics from the traditional “green versus orange” politics. Mr. Farry also mentoned that a decision is anticipated regarding whether party leader, Ms Long, would compete against Mr Robinson in East Belfast, a constituency she has represented before.
Doug Beattie, the Ulster Unionist leader, confirmed his intention to field candidates across all 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland, with no planned alliances with other unionist party. He emphasized his stance of not favouring political pacts while acknowledging ongoing dialogues with other unionist parties on diverse issues.
The SDLP is anticipating a struggle to maintain its seats in Foyle and South Belfast. The party leader, Colum Eastwood, admitted to a difficult battle against Sinn Féin in Foyle, while indicating the real challenge was overcoming the Tories, whom he accusessed of causing economic turmoil, initiating Brexit, implementing the Legacy Act and reducing funding of public services over the past 14 years. The forthcoming election, according to him, could be an opportunity to defeat them.