Ritchie will seek her third term

Ritchie will seek her third term

26 April 2017

SOUTH Down needs to return an MP at the forthcoming Parliamentary election who will take a seat at Westminster, according to the constituency’s sitting incumbent.

The SDLP’s Margaret Ritchie has been chosen by her party to fight the seat she has held since succeeding the late Eddie McGrady and is hoping to secure a third term.

With Sinn Fein expected to push Miss Ritchie all the way when voters go to the polls on June 8, the sitting MP maintains that given the many key issues facing people across the constituency, it is important they have representation in London.

Sinn Fein MPs refuse to take their seats in the House of Commons and Miss Ritchie maintains the best outcome for the people of South Down at the forthcoming election is an MP who will.

The sitting MP said the decision by Prime Minister Theresa May to call a snap general election was as a direct result of the “ongoing and future challenges presented by Brexit.”

Miss Ritchie continued: “Given that we are one of the most impacted constituencies in Northern Ireland by Brexit as a European border constituency, South Down needs strong representation on the floor of the House of Commons and in Select Committees, fighting for the needs of our local communities and challenging government policy to ensure the best possible deal for South Down.  

“We need a Brexit deal that delivers for the people of South Down in the areas of trade and the economy, health and education, workers’ rights, job creation, the needs of young people, farming, fishing, tourist development, infrastructure issues and the protection of our local environment.”

Miss Ritchie said the ‘Brexit-deal’ will be complemented by continuing to deliver a full range of services from her constituency office in South Down, challenging local issues such as health provision, a better deal for the Downe and Daisy Hill Hospitals and education, including budgets for schools and welfare reform.

“The best outcome for the people of South Down can only be achieved by electing an MP who will take their seat in Westminster, one who has already been working on their behalf on the floor of the House of Commons, challenging Ministers on business, farming, fishing and environmental matters and also in the constituency through solid representation on personal, community and business matters,” she declared.

Miss Ritchie added: “I am asking people for their support, their endorsement and their vote to continue to do that work. I want to continue to be a strong advocate for the people of South Down in Westminster. I want to continue to represent their needs, both in Westminster and here at home in South Down.”