Hazzard says it’s time for change in South Down

Hazzard says it’s time for change in South Down

7 June 2017

SINN Fein South Down Westminster election candidate Chris Hazzard said there is an “appetite for real political change” in the constituency.

Addressing a party event in Downpatrick last week attended by senior Sinn Fein officials including northern leader Michelle O’Neill, TD Pearse Doherty and Mary Lou McDonald, Mr Hazzard said alongside the appetite for real political change is a “growing desire for vibrant, relevant and dynamic political leadership.” He said having a strong Sinn Féin team is the recipe for success.

The South Down candidate said the party’s growing political success locally in recent times has been built on delivery, which Sinn Fein has consistently demonstrated to the people of the constituency.

Mr Hazzard continued: “When we promised to invest in new school builds for our local area, we followed that up with £100m invested in new buildings in the last ten years alone. When our local farmers and fishermen were severely hit with harsh weather in recent years, Sinn Féin ensured hardship payments were delivered and an industry task-force created to deal with local concerns. 

“When people were telling us they were fed up with the poor transport infrastructure in South Down we listened. Within six months of taking on the role of Infrastructure Minister last year, I had initiated work on a Downpatrick by-pass and signed off the £40m Ballynahinch by-pass.”

Mr Hazzard said over the past five years, economic opportunities have been won, jobs saved and significant investment secured. He was also delighted to help secure £1m to deliver modern football facilities for Downpatrick as part of a community sports scheme that was long overdue in the town.

He added: “We stand against Tory austerity and stand up for the most vulnerable, the marginalised and the disadvantaged within our community. Sinn Féin consistently and proudly fights for the rights of all in our society. 

“When Sinn Féin wins, the South Down people win; our farmers, teachers, nurses, students, Gaeilgeoirí, foreign nationals and LGBT brothers and sisters. This is why South Down needs a Sinn Féin MP and it needs it now.”