NI21 Candidate Alistair Straney Speaks Out About Why He Chose To Stand

Alistair Straney is from South Down and is siting in his first local election.

A past pupil of the Down Academy, he went on to Greenmount College before diversifying from farming to become a stone mason.

His first experience of getting involved in his community and helping the area was joining the campaign to Save the Downe Hospital under the ledership of the Down Community Health Committee and today he is resolute that the Downe Hospital must fully serve the medical needs of the people of its catchement area including delivering on a fully serviced 24/7 consultant led A&E

Alistair said: “When NI21 was created, I xa0joined to be part of a party committed to fairness, equality and social justice for all.

“The new Newry, Mourne and Down Council will have enhanced powers and I feel we need competent voices making sensible decisions on issues such as planning, roads, urban regeneration, community development and housing.

“As a parent I want my children to grow up in a better Northern Ireland. I believe NI21 can offer us all a better future free from sectarianism and I want to move beyond tribal politics towards a truly shared future.

“We need a more pragmatic approach to create the environment necessary for economic regeneration and growth. Crippling rates bills and vacant shop units must be addressed head on.

“I will work to update facilities throughout the area and help develop a play park strategy, ensuring our community has access to appropriate, stimulating safe play parks for our children.

“We must address traffic management in Ballynahinch, which has plagued the town for many years, effecting everyone as well as local businesses.

“I also want to ensure the voice of older people is valued and heard in the community planning process.

“Put your trust in me on May 22 and I will be that competent voice, dedicated to helping make a better Northern Ireland for each and every one of us,” added Alistair Straney.