MP’s call a ‘smokescreen’ says Harbinson

In a statement in your edition of March 25th, Mr Donaldson called on Unionists to support his party in an attempt to re-capture the seat formerly held by Paul Butler for Unionism.

The securing of this seat for Unionism is indeed of great importance and something that should be earnestly sought, however for Mr Donaldson to go on to suggest that my decision not to run in the upcoming Assembly Election will be welcomed and that it is in any way evidence that TUV is now effectively out of the race is an overt attempt to mislead and I do not appreciate being used as a pawn in such a flagrant attempt at manipulation.

Thankfully however these assertions remain outside of Mr Donaldson’s and his party’s control.

Since my decision was announced I have been inundated with well wishes and messages of support from countless numbers of constituents across the length and breadth of the constituency who have expressed their disappointment that I will not be standing, but also their delight that they will have a TUV candidate to vote for come May 5th.

Mr Donaldson and his party colleagues must realise that many views exist within Unionism, and they do not hold a monopoly on the representation of the Unionist electorate.

I remain the Vice-Chairman of TUV and I remain wholly committed to the party and the principles which we espouse and shall be working tirelessly alongside my party colleagues in these coming weeks supporting our candidates as they seek to earn the right to represent the electorate whether on a council or at Stormont.

I reject the assertion that because we refuse to accept a second rate system of Government on behalf of our voters we are in some way creating division within Unionism. We have a very positive vision of how Northern Ireland should be moved forward and we are entitled to seek a mandate to deliver that vision.

Through TUV I remain committed to changing Northern Ireland for the better and delivering a system of Government that will mean real delivery for our citizens, not the posturing and charade Government of the last Assembly. I would urge the electorate to support us in our endeavours in this regard.

Keith Harbinson

Vice Chairman

Traditional Unionist Voice