Speaking following his unanimous selection last night (Thursday) as the TUV parliamentary candidate in Lagan Valley, Keith Harbinson LL.B said he was humbled to be offered the chance to stand as the voice for Unionism in Lagan Valley.

“We are in it to win it,” said Mr Harbinson “this campaign will  present a huge challenge to us as a party, but I believe that with the support that we have, we can offer a viable and very real alternative to the shambolic government offered currently by a crop of politicians tainted by sleaze and self interest.

“Sadly, in recent times representing Lagan Valley in Westminster has proved more of a distraction than a commitment for our current MP, and as a result we have been left without that voice.  Mr Donaldson has been absent on crucial votes such as those on a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and the attempts to reduce the abortion threshold below 24 weeks.  Even when he has been there he has remained silent, such as when the legislation was brought before the House of Commons that today brings the gift of First Minister within Martin McGuinness’ grasp.

“This is sadly the cost we in this constituency have had to pay for a triple jobbing MP. If Mr Donaldson however does not think that the voters of Lagan Valley are worthy of a voice in parliament , and worthy of an MP who will attend, vote and speak on their behalf more than 30% of the time, then he should never again be given the right to represent them.

“Being from the local area I know the local needs. Educated in Wallace High School, I appreciate how vital it is to preserve our excellent grammar schools and save them from destruction at the hands of Sinn Fein/IRA.

“I also pledge to fight against plans which will inevitably result in the Maze becoming a Mecca for Republicans in the heart of this strongly Unionist constituency. The disgraceful decision of local MLA and Environment Minister Edwin Poots not to remove the protection of listed status from these ugly buildings is one which we will expose in our literature and on the door steps.

 “I look forward to offering the people of Lagan Valley the chance to have a full time MP, an MP who will stand up and speak as their voice.  I am committed to raising the bar with regards to diligence and honest hard work for the people of Lagan Valley, that in recent times has been absent from delivery in Public Office.

“It will be a significant challenge to overturning one of the biggest majorities in the Kingdom, but I believe the solid traditional unionist principles and policies that our party stands for, will be a rallying point for all who seek a better stronger Northern Ireland.”