As the standing South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie has made an appeal to the voters to back her on polling day, Thursday 7 May.
In a message to the electorate on the eve of the election, she said: “Politics is about representation and service; representing, serving and delivering for the people of South Down across all communities on a range of issues in the Constituency and in Westminster – on the floor of the House of Commons and in Select and in All-Party Committees.
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South Down MP Margaret Ritchie pictured with her election agent Cllr Colin McGrath and SDLP members and councillors.[/caption]
“My driving force has always been improving the lives of individuals and communities. When I was elected as MP for South Down in May 2010, I gave a solemn undertaking that I would serve all of the people of South Down, in all communities, doing my utmost to bring people together rather than see them divided. I also said I would take up my seat, go to Westminster, work hard and properly represent the people of South Down. I believe I have delivered on these fronts.
“I used my role as the only MP from Northern Ireland on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, to stand up for our fishermen, our farmers and our whole rural economy including the need to have proper and adequate access to broadband. That battle will continue in the new Parliament. I made sure that their voice was heard during difficult times such as the food contamination scandal and the rapid fall in milk prices. I also made the case for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy so that both work more effectively for our local agricultural community.
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Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) candidate for South Down.[/caption]
“But this election is not merely about defending what we have… it also presents the opportunity for South Down to benefit from a potential balance of power. The SDLP will enter any post election negotiations responsibly, and I will continue to press for key policies for our economy such as the reduction of Tourism VAT to 5% to encourage growth and create jobs. I will also make the case for the Treasury to release the funding for vital infrastructure projects that will spur a prosperity process in Northern Ireland.
“Let us be very clear… taking your seat at Westminster is important and does make a difference. Whilst we have devolution in Northern Ireland, major issues such as the Budget, Taxation, Welfare Policy and National Security matters are still decided at Westminster.“Fighting austerity measures can only be done through taking your seat in Westminster and not standing on the sidelines. The SDLP fought such punative measures when we were the only Northern Ireland Party along with other parties from Britain to defeat the government last September on Bedroom Tax. External agreements also still require legislation, debate and intense scrutiny in committee in the House of Commons.
“That can only be done through taking your seat in Westminster. It cannot be done from the sidelines. For a Party to suggest any other systems such as Abstentionism is illogical, contradictory and indefensible. In fact, the NI Assembly and the NI Executive are the product of that system. New policing, fair employment and equality arrangements are the product of that system.
“I would urge the people of South Down to come out and make their vote count and vote for me – to vote for the candidate that has worked for all citizens, families and communities. If I am re-elected to Parliament, I will continue to pledge to represent South Down’s interests and to bring the voice of the people to the floor of the House of Commons in Westminster on real issues that matter to families, young people, the elderly, farmers, fishermen and business representatives.“Here in the constituency I pledge to continue my work for you and your families on your individual matters through my constituency advice centre, and on the wider needs of the constituency, new school builds, hospital services, tourism development , new business growth and investment and the many other projects that we have been working on together.”
Ms Ritchie added: “I would be greatly honoured to continue this work on behalf of all the community here at home in the Constituency and on the floor of the House of Commons as your Member of Parliament for South Down. I look forward to your support this Thursday 7 May.”]]>
