Danny Kennedy was officially ratified as the Ulster Unionist European candidate by the Ulster Unionist Party Executive on Saturday 20 April 2019. Before Mr Kennedy was ratified, the Party Executive stood for a minute`s silence in tribute to the journalist Lyra McKee who was murdered in Londonderry on Thursday night.The text of Danny Kennedy`s speech is below.

STARTS

Mr Chairman, Party Leader, Members of the Executive,

I had intended to deliver a different speech today, but to be honest, given the terrible events over the past 48 hours, I`ve decided not to use it. There is a time to debate, a time to challenge and a time to set our political opponents straight, but today is not it. Some things are more important than politics and there is a grieving family in Londonderry and Belfast today mourning the loss of a loved one at the hands of terrorists.

We meet under the dark cloud of the ghastly murder of Lyra McKee on the streets of the Creggan, Londonderry and our hearts are genuinely heavy at the loss of such a young and gifted journalist. To Lyra’s partner Sara, her family and loved ones I offer our profound and genuine sympathy. To those who carried out this murder I say this – you offer nothing except misery, pain and hatred and you will be opposed by the vast vast majority of citizens who want nothing to do with your actions and who truly despise you. It is my hope that communities will unite to identify those responsible and that they can be arrested, charged and dealt with through the courts.

There are no excuses and no reasons that can be offered for guns to be brought on to the streets of Northern Ireland. What republican terrorists did in Londonderry was an attack on democracy and an attempt to drag Northern Ireland back to the dark days of the past. Murder was wrong in the past and it`s still wrong now. Law and order must prevail - the law of the jungle must end.

I sincerely hope as people reflect on Lyra McKee`s life, and the senseless loss of a talented young woman, that it acts as an impetus for politicians of all opinions to reflect on where we go from here. Easter is a time of reflection for a great many of us and it is the responsibility of our generation of politicians in Northern Ireland to offer a better way forward and to give hope for the future. Otherwise there are dark consequences – we know from bitter experience that where a political vacuum is created, the men of violence will seek to fill it. That must not be allowed to happen.

I am honoured to stand before you all today as your prospective candidate for the European election on 23rd May.  When I first joined this great Party back in 1974, I never dreamed I would be given the opportunities provided to me and I am so grateful for that.

Before I set out the reasons why I want you to endorse my candidacy I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to Jim Nicholson MEP for the outstanding service he has given, not only to this Party but also to the people of Northern Ireland. Jim has served with distinction and has achieved much for the people of Northern Ireland during a remarkable 30 year career in the European Parliament and he deserves to be recognised for that. Thank you Jim. It underscores for me the very big shoes I must attempt to fill, but fill them I must – defeat in this election is not an option for me or an option for us.

I also want to take time and wish our local government candidates well for the election in less than two weeks on May 2nd. Many of them are, at this very moment are pounding the streets and knocking at doors all over Northern Ireland and they deserve our admiration, thanks and support. I look forward to joining them on the doorsteps in the short time left up until polling day.

Chairman, this European election could be a very short term job. It could last 5 days, 5 months or 5 years. But it has huge long term implications for Northern Ireland. I believe I have the necessary experience, ability and skill to retain this seat. As an Ulster Unionist, I like you, was brought up on the mantra of putting my country first, my Party second and myself third – those are my and those are your political values. I believe they are values shared by the vast majority of people all across Northern Ireland.

During the course of my political career I was given the opportunity by this Party to serve in positions of influence and power, including working with, negotiating and lobbying other politicians in the EU.

During my time in Department of Regional Development and with the help of Jim Nicholson I successfully delivered road schemes including the A8 to Larne, the A2 at Whiteabbey and the A26 – the Game of Thrones route. So I know how Europe works and I have knowledge and experience in dealing with European politicians. But that was in the past and before the UK decided to leave the EU so were are now in a new situation.

Chairman, I’m a border Unionist having lived most of my life in South Armagh. So I understand the border, I know what happens and how it happens. I know how crucial it is to trade, business and our economy and I also know that we cannot allow a hard border situation to develop.

My campaign will seek to offer a positive, constructive way forward to honour the result of the referendum, but it must be done so in a way which respects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom. We want a deal, but that deal cannot be at the cost of the most important Union of all, that between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you for all your support so far and I humbly ask for that continuing support in the coming days and weeks.

This is a fight we must win – for our Party, our country and our nation. Together we can do it. Thank you.

ENDS