Independent candidate Niall Murphy urges people to 'use your vote wisely' this Thursday

Independent candidate in the upcoming Council Elections, Niall Murphy is urging people to people to 'use their vote wisely in the upcoming Council Election to maximise local representation for the next four years'.

“If people want someone who will focus on the issues that I’ve been talking about during this campaign then it is so important that they give me their 1st preference. I will need all of them to be competitive when surplus votes are getting spread out and eliminations begin,” said Mr Murphy, who is standing in the Benbradagh DEA.

“I have started what I think is an incredibly important public discussion on the proposed wind farm for the top of Benbradagh – I have been the only person to raise this as an issue and I will lead the community response to it and get it stopped if the people of Dungiven don’t support it. Having someone inside Council leading this effort will be essential to this effort.

“I have raised other issues, including showing my support for local mainstream schools and youth services in the hope we can secure the variety of choices families now enjoy thanks to mainstream and Irish Language provisions. I have highlighted the need for a feasibility study to link Foreglen onto the A6, something that I think the people of Foreglen would welcome and I have highlighted proposals to develop local amenities, including a picnic area at The Old Priory.

“I have highlighted to many people as I have canvassed around Benbradagh District that I will be a new type of candidate in the way I will use social media to engage with people especially young people, bringing you in and engaging with you all kinds of new and creative ways. I am giving people an opportunity to vote for someone who will be on the ground, embedded in the community, focusing on the local issues that matter to people and most importantly getting things done.”

The Dungiven man continued: “I have very good existing relationships with current councillors who are certain to get re-elected including Sean McGlinchey, a very popular and well respected figure. I would ask people who are voting for Sean to remember he will get a surplus of votes, he has in the last two elections and if you want this surplus to stay in Dungiven and benefit another strong local contender then give me your 2nd preference – the 2nd preference will decide where that surplus goes and I say it will do the most good for you if it comes to me! Think about how the party straight line 1,2,3 will benefit you.

“When it comes to other parties who are standing I would also ask that you give me your 2nd preference for Antou, Alliance and The SDLP – if the vote goes my way and any of these parties get eliminated before me then, again it will keep your vote local and in the hands of someone who is committed to local action.

“If you want continuity, I have no doubt Sinn Fein will get its vote and return the 3 candidates they have standing – you will have continuity. But there is a 4th seat up for grabs – so you have a real opportunity, maybe the best opportunity we will see for a long time, to get a strong local Independent elected, I say don’t waste the chance!

“Over this campaign I have talked to so many people who want something new - I want the chance to prove myself. I believe I will be good for you. Give me your vote this Thursday, you won’t regret it,” he added.