Donaldson to run again for DUP in Lagan Valley

Mr Donaldson has represented Lagan Valley at Westminster for 13 years, first for the Ulster Unionist Party and later for the DUP, which he joined in 2004.

Speaking to the Star this week he said he was looking forward to the election and relished the opportunity to meet local voters. He also admitted the decision to stand at Westminster, and face the prospect of having to stand down as an MLA when his Party began to phase out dual mandates, was not an easy one to make.

"Having given the matter much consideration I recognise that I was elected 13 years ago to Parliament and at this point in time I should continue in that role for at least another term," said Mr Donaldson.

"At the same time I recognise that a large proportion of issues that effect the people I represent are now dealt with by the Assembly and I hope in the future to have a role in the Assembly, whenever that may be.

"I am hopeful that we are now moving into a more stable period for the Assembly and I believe fervently that the way forward is for devolved government to work and local people to be taking decisions on local issues.

"However, being a unionist I believe it is vital Northern Ireland continues to have strong representation in our national parliament at Westminster," he continued.

Mr Donaldson confirmed he would be leaving Lisburn City Council as soon as possible once legislation had been passed to allow councillors standing down to be replaced by their own Party. He added he expected this to happen at the end of next month.

He also said that, following the introduction of legislation at Westminster in relation to MPs who also worked as MLAs, he was no longer being paid for his work at Stormont.

Mr Donaldson highlighted a number of issues he felt were important to the people of Lagan Valley, which he would be focusing on during the election campaign.

"The key issues for me continue to be employment and attracting investment into the constituency," he said. "I am working closely with the Council and Invest NI to attract new jobs into the area.

"One of my priorities will remain securing planning permission for the major development at Sprucefield," he continued.

"I welcome the fact that the public inquiry is now going to proceed and am hopeful a positive decision will be made later this year."

Mr Donaldson also highlighted the importance of progressing the development at the 360 acre former Maze prison site, as well as seeing the Lisburn City Centre masterplan coming to fruition and ensuring the long term future of the Lagan Valley Hospital.

The Lagan Valley MP also voiced his support for the Hillsborough Agreement.

Despite not being part of the negotiating team at Hillsborough, Mr Donaldson said he had been involved in backstage talks at Stormont during the negotiations and is currently co-chairing the parades working group established as a result of the talks.

"We have always maintained the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly is an important part of the devolution process.

"I believe it is right we should have a local politician in charge of that department rather than a Direct Rule Minister.

"I believe the Hillsborough Agreement offers a way forward on policing and justice that protects the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland."

Mr Donaldson added that recent "provocative statements" on the parading issue by members of Sinn Fein had been "unhelpful" but that they "won't deter us in our work."

Mr Donaldson said he believed that having served the constituency for over a decade, his track record would demonstrate that he worked hard for the people of Lagan Valley .

"I am always encouraged by the appreciation people show from right across the community for the work we do at a local level" he said.

"I have always enjoyed election campaigns and I recognise this is probably going to be one of the more high profile elections this time but I relish the opportunity to go out there and put our case to the voters.

"I think politicians generally have to rebuild trust with the electorate and that is something we need to continually work on," he concluded.