The North's two main unionist parties have agreed to clear the way for a single unionist candidate to run in Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency in the general election, it was announced today.
Rodney Connor, former chief executive of Fermanagh District Council, will stand as an independent candidate with the Democratic Unionists and Ulster Unionists having both decided to step out of the running.
The move comes after months of protracted negotiations between the parties to find someone to try to remove sitting Sinn Féin abstentionist MP Michelle Gildernew, who has been the incumbent since 2001.
The issue had been complicated by the UUP’s electoral alliance with the Conservative Party and David Cameron’s insistence that one of their joint candidates run in each of Northern Ireland’s 18 constituencies.
Outlining the compromise deal, Mr Connor said he would be prepared to accept the Tory whip at Westminster but insisted that in regard to local matters he would vote in the best interest of the region.
“I want to be a voice for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone at Westminster,” he said. “Through my work, over the years, I believe that I have already demonstrated a proven track record of delivering in the constituency for people from right across the community. I know what Fermanagh and South Tyrone needs and I believe that I am well equipped to help deliver it.
DUP economy minister Arlene Foster, who had been due to run for her party in the constituency, said she was delighted Mr Connor would be standing as an agreed candidate.
“This follows many weeks of discussions and negotiations and represents a good and potentially historic day for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and for unionism,” she said. “When unionism is divided unionism is weakened. I have no doubt that Fermanagh and South Tyrone can set the example for other areas in Northern Ireland to follow.
“The DUP has always made it clear that we are prepared to step aside in the event that an independent unionist candidate could be agreed. I have no doubt that Rodney Connor is such a candidate and I give him my, and my party’s wholehearted and unqualified support.
UUP Assembly member Tom Elliott, who has also stepped out of the race, said: “I was aware of a strong community desire to ensure representation for Fermanagh & South Tyrone and that there was very strong support for a single Unionist community candidate that could command the overall support of the Unionist and wider communities.
“In the interests of making every possible effort to ensure Westminster representation for the people of this constituency I withdraw my candidature and offer my support to Rodney Connor.
While the DUP and UUP reached agreement in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, talks to find a single candidate in another marginal nationalist seat - South Belfast - came to nothing.
PA