Gareth Martin has been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party`s Assembly candidate for the constituency of West Belfast.
Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said:
“I am delighted Gareth is again offering the unionist voters of West Belfast the opportunity to support one of their own, a son of Suffolk.
“Gareth was the only unionist to stand in West Belfast in the last local government poll, when the people of Collin clearly appreciated Gareth’s determination not to abandon unionists in an area of the City where they can all too easily feel isolated and forgotten.
“I know Gareth has a bright future in elected politics. I am very pleased he has chosen the Ulster Unionist Party, and look forward to him making further inroads on the 5th of May.”
Gareth Martin said:
"I am delighted to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist candidate for West Belfast in the upcoming assembly elections. I am born and bred in Suffolk so I am well aware of the issues within our community and I am keen to help tackle the same.
“The elections provide a massive opportunity for the people of West Belfast to regain a seat and moreover, effective representation in Government. For far too long we have been neglected through ineffective, or rather non-existent, representation at local and national level and it is high time that we once again stand up and be counted. For many years now, I have listened to people say, “why should I vote, nothing changes?”- well I give those people this pledge now- if you vote for me then things will change and they will change for the better but I can’t do it without you. The pro-Union community must vote – together we can regain our voice. I cannot express my desire to have a West Belfast Unionist voice in Stormont in any stronger terms.
“I have a real passion for my community and the wider community in Northern Ireland and I seek the opportunity to become involved in shaping the future of our great country."
ENDS
Note to Editors:
Gareth Martin is a 33 year old solicitor practicing in criminal law. He attended Finaghy Primary School and RBAI. He is a member of Suffolk FC who play in the amateur league and a former member of 17thBelfast Boys Brigade, Suffolk Community Centre Committee and Suffolk Community Forum as well as a former band captain and secretary of Upper Falls Protestant Boys.