Speaking as he accompanied TUV candidate, David Calvert, to hand in his nomination papers for the Lurgan by-election, Party Leader Jim Allister said local ratepayers should not have been put to the expense of this by-election, but sadly, unionist councillors, who previously consented to Sinn Fein and SDLP co-options, refused such co-operation to fellow unionists in TUV and forced this by-election with no regard to the cost inflicted on ratepayers.

“This is a TUV seat and just as other parties in Craigavon, even Sinn Fein, have been permitted co-options, so that courtesy ought to have been extended on this occasion. Even at this late stage”, Mr Allister said “I would call on other candidates to withdraw and save ratepayers this avoidable expense. If others press on then voters can best express their disapproval by voting 1 Calvert.”

“The election will also afford voters an opportunity to pass judgement on the fiasco at Stormont. All other candidates represent parties involved in and supportive of the Stormont shambles. TUV alone stands opposed to terrorist-inclusive government and its unworkable system of mandatory coalition. Moreover, we firmly oppose transferring policing and justice powers to an Executive in which IRA/Sinn Fein holds the power of veto.

“From his past proven record as a councillor for many years the people of Lurgan and area will find in David Calvert a hard working and fearless representative. I wish him well and look forward to campaigning for him throughout the constituency.”