“Thursday’s coming Assembly election is crucial for the future of Northern Ireland”, says Jim Wells, South Down Dup candidate.
“Our team of canvassers have knocked over 7,000 doors in South Down and the major issues that have been raised are the overwhelming view that we should leave the European Union and a very high level of support for Arlene Foster to remain as First Minister’.
“There is also concern about the fall in farm incomes and the need for significant investment in rural roads.
“I have also been greatly encouraged by the amount of support that I have received personally throughout South Down. The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for me and my family, and it has been reassuring to know that so many people in the constituency are behind me.
“I was not prepared to let those who sought to destroy to win and I am confident and grateful that the voters of South Down will stand by me on Thursday.
“On Thursday morning past I attended Downpatrick Court facing a woman from Dungannon who has made statements about me I am alleged to have made at a hustings event earlier this year on 23rd April. I objected to the case being heard on that day and it was adjourned until the 5th May when I hope this matter is finally resolved.
“In the last Westminster election, unionists united to ensure that Sinn Fein and the Alliance Party lost seats in constituencies such as Fermanagh/South Tyrone. They were following the excellent example set in South Down in 2011 when there was a record transfer rate between the unionist candidates in the last Assembly election.
“A vote for me on May 5th is a vote for Arlene Foster for First Minister and transferring 2,3 and 4 to other pro-union parties will ensure that two Unionists  will be returned to Stormont from South Down.”
