Former UUP Chief Executive to stand for TUV in Lagan Valley

Mr Rea joined the TUV after the Dromore by-election in 2008. His working life began in land and property valuation but most of his career has been associated with the agri-food sector.

He spent 20 years in senior positions with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, is a past Chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board Shearing Committee and current Chairman of World Shearing. He was also involved with the pig industry and YFCU.

Married to Hilda with three adult children, he lives in the constituency and is an elder in his local Presbyterian Church.

Mr Rea said: “I am not only honoured to be the TUV candidate but determined that the voice of Traditional Unionism will be heard loud and clear. Many in this constituency feel badly let down, both by the DUP somersault in elevating Sinn Fein to the highest offices in the land and by the utter failure of the DUP/Sinn Fein government to deliver for ordinary people.”

He went on to say: “The vital issues of education and health have suffered particular damage under the failed Stormont regime, with Ruane’s rampage through education leaving a dire legacy. Yet, as the water crisis proved, there is no accountability in Stormont. Ministers are unsackable and under the absurdity of mandatory coalition we are even denied an Opposition and the fundamental democratic right to change our government.

“What the people in the Republic recently did in changing their government, the Belfast Agreement system denies to us.

“We need real change at Stormont and we need it now, not in four or more years. It’s time to restore the basic building blocks of democracy, the right to an Official Opposition, the right to vote failed parties out of office and coalition built on common purpose, not compulsion. Only then, will we see devolution that works.

“I believe I can give the people of Lagan Valley, among whom I live, the solid, dependable representation they need and desire. ”

Commenting on the selection of Mr Rea, TUV Leader Jim Allister said: “Lagan Valley, like everywhere else, has experienced the disappointment of the failed DUP/Sinn Fein coalition. A first preference vote for Lyle Rea will send the strongest possible message for change and secure for Lagan Valley a hard-working constituency representative. I look forward to campaigning with Lyle in the coming weeks.”

TUV Vice-Chairman Keith Harbinson added: “I am delighted that once again the people of Lagan Valley will have the opportunity to pass their verdict on the standard of Government currently offered in Northern Ireland.

“For the first time they will be given the chance to vote for a party who promises to work earnestly each and every day of the next assembly not only to deliver positive change in the workings and delivery of Government, but also positive change in respect of the very system of Government that we operate, to ensure that the people we seek to represent will get most value for money and the brightest hope for the future.

“In Lyle Rea they have a candidate who will not only hold such sentiments, but who will demonstrate principle and conviction in delivering them.”

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