Today marked the official start of Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister’s campaign for re-election. The sitting MEP was accompanied by the party officers to the Electoral Office in Belfast. Mr Allister’s nomination papers were witnessed by TUV party president, William Ross.

Speaking afterwards the MEP said:

“In this election I will be campaigning on two main issues – my record in Europe and offering people an opportunity to register their opposition to terrorists in government.

“I am not contesting this election to treat the seat as a trophy for a political party. Nor am I in the business of dynasty building. I am defending my seat because I believe I can do the job. I contest the election on the basis of a proven record, not on empty promises. I have fought tenaciously for Northern Ireland and raised representation for the Province on the European stage to a new level.

“Secondly, I am contesting this election to give people across this Province an opportunity to pass their verdict on terrorists in government. While others, for their own gain, attempt to portray themselves as the opponents of Sinn Fein, I fight this poll on the basis of 24/7 opposition to Republicanism. You cannot with credibility argue that you are the people to defeat Sinn Fein/IRA while partnering them in government. The only anti-Sinn Fein votes will be those marked 1 Allister. I am confident that the Unionist people of Ulster recognise this reality.

“I offer the people of Northern Ireland the chance to vote for a man interested enough to do the job and at the same time register their opposition to Sinn Fein”.