Fellow Unionists,

As Vice Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Councillors Association it’s my pleasure to bring our councillors panel to a close. I am sure, having listened to our speakers, that you would agree that Northern Ireland needs more Ulster Unionist councillors in May.

I am enormously grateful to the Ulster Unionist Party for giving me the opportunity to represent my home area on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. It has been an incredible opportunity to serve the people I love. I have had the opportunity to help shape the development of my community through my role on the planning committee. I’ve had the opportunity to work with local business driving investment, employment and training. I’ve been able to fight for transparency and integrity in how we do business. These are incredible opportunities for someone who hasn’t reached his 30th birthday.

The people of Northern Ireland deserve better than what they see at Stormont. The DUP & SF have squandered their mandate and sit on their hands as vital public services decay. In contrast Ulster Unionist councillors are getting on with the job. We tackle waste and inefficiency, we fight for low rates, preserve quality public services and fearlessly defend our culture from those who seek to erase it. We are showing that there is an alternative that is ready willing and able to lead Northern Ireland.

My constituents are tired of excuses, they are tired of stalemate, they are tired of corruption and above all they are tired of parties and politicians who put themselves first.

What my constituents want is practical help from all levels of government to deliver a thriving economy, successful schools and quality housing. Ulster Unionist Councillors are playing their part across all of Northern Ireland to deliver these objectives.

However, our councillors and candidates need your help. Be under no illusion that this will be a keenly fought election. In 2014 I was selected as a new candidate. With the committed support of 5 or 6 activists I was able to grow our vote and take a seat off the DUP.

This is possible in districts across Northern Ireland but only if our councillors can rely on an experienced and dedicated team. Every member in this room has the potential to make a real difference and I call upon you all to commit your time, your skills and your money behind our candidates.

One of the key issues we will face in this campaign is the opportunities afforded by Brexit.

I passionately supported Brexit and the opportunities it presents for local government are enormous. We have the opportunity to overhaul our procurement system which has beset many local government projects with delays, substandard work and expensive legal challenges.

We will have the opportunity to tailor our approach to waste to better suit the needs of our constituents and we have the opportunity to reduce and reform the EU regulations that Councils enforce at a cost of millions a year. I am glad that the Ulster Unionist Party has committed itself to deliver the best possible Brexit for Northern Ireland.

In May of next year, we have an opportunity to strike a blow for good governance, against self-service and corruption and to show the people of Northern Ireland that there is a better alternative.

It falls to us to seize this opportunity and do what we have always done. Fight fearlessly to make Northern Ireland a better place.