Mar 10
10
Former UTV newsman to seek Wesminister nomination
Ferghal McKinney
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced that former UTV newsman Fearghal McKinney is to seek the party’s nomination to run in the Westminster election in Fermanagh South Tyrone.
Speaking at a press conference at SDLP headquarters alongside Ms Ritchie and Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher, Mr McKinney said he was excited at the prospect.
Mr McKinney said: “This is a new era for politics and a new era for the SDLP. This country needs a strong SDLP and the people of the North need strong representation at Westminster.
“Today I have submitted my application to represent the party in the constituency of Fermanagh South Tyrone in the forthcoming Westminster election. This election will be won and lost on the doorsteps and I am keen to build on the good work of Tommy Gallagher and others in the weeks and months ahead. I know I have a fight ahead of me to win the seat but I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Ms Ritchie said: “When I became leader I promised to bring through a new generation of SDLP representatives. This week I announced 16 junior spokespersons and I am delighted to announce today that Fearghal McKinney has joined our team and wants to represent the party in the Westminster election. The SDLP are offering people a new agenda and with addition of Fearghal we are offering people a new politician with an exciting future.”
Mr Gallagher said: “Today is a proud day for the SDLP and the people of Fermanagh South Tyrone to be able to attract a prospective candidate of the calibre of Fearghal McKinney. I have known Fearghal for a long time as a hard-working journalist and I have no doubt he will be hard working candidate.
“Fearghal was raised in Enniskillen and is well-known in his local community. He knows the task ahead and will have my full backing and support.”
