Newry Councillor Michael Savage is to contest the Westminster election in South Down for the SDLP.
The SDLP has selected Michael Savage, a former party chief executive and Newry businessman, to contest the Westminster election in South Down.
Speaking after he was chosen as the party’s candidate, Michael Savage said that local people deserve more than an empty seat while Brexit threatens jobs, businesses and communities.
He said: “Brexit is a national emergency. It threatens people, jobs and businesses across this island.
“At a time of immense crisis, it’s just not good enough that our MP has decided to abstain on this island’s future. Boris Johnson, the DUP and others are delighted that it’s one less vote against their plans to privatise our health service and sell large chunks off to American profiteers.
“They are delighted that there’s no one representing people here who oppose welfare cuts and austerity that have left the most vulnerable destitute.
“This is a moment for leadership. My promise to the people in South Down is that I will never abstain on our future. I will never abstain on the need for investment in people and communities here. I will never abstain on protecting the Good Friday Agreement or the people I represent. With no Executive and no Assembly for 1000 days, our future is being decided in London and we’re having no say in it. No more !
“This is a defining election. It is a moment of choice and a moment for change. I am not content to continue with the direction of travel. I will not sit idly by as our interests are undermined. Brexit can be stopped at Westminster. SDLP MP’s will vote to stop Brexit.”
