UUP leader ‘dictatorial’ in West Tyrone selection process

By Alan Rodgers

THE West Tyrone Constituteuncy Association of the Ulster Unionist Party has issued a damming statement condemning their party leader, Doug Beattie for adopting what they describe as a ‘dictatorial’ approach.

It’s the latest escalation of a row over the selection of former Ulster Farmers Union President, Ian Marshall, as the party’s for West Tyrone in next year’s Assembly election.

Members of the West Tyrone Constituency Association held a meeting to discuss the issue earlier this week. They had wanted local health official and former Derry City and Strabane councillor, Andy McKane to be selected instead.

Now, in a statement issued by Derry City and Strabane Councillor, Derek Hussey, who is Secretary of the Branch, they have severely criticised Doug Beattie.

“”In all conscience, I cannot support this dictatorial approach that has been taken towards my long-time friends and colleagues of the West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Constituency Association and urge a reversal of the current Leadership decision otherwise, we face the potential of ‘snatching defeat from the jaws of victory,” Derek Hussey said.

“There was a renewed invigoration within the local Association and a firm belief that, with a local candidate of the calibre of Andy McKane, combined with the general uplift of the Ulster Unionist Party’s standing in the polls, we could regain an Ulster Unionist seat in our West Tyrone Constituency.

“Regrettably, our Party Leader, supported by most Party Officers, had other ideas, and determined to over-rule the unanimous wish of the West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Constituency Association by seeking to import Ian Marshall, from outside the Constituency, to stand for the Party in West Tyrone.

“Mr Marshall has met with the Constituency Association which resulted in those present declaring unanimously that they would not be supporting his candidacy and campaign when this begins following declaration of an Assembly Election.

“With an open mind, I had met with and listened to both Ian Marshall and Andy McKane on this matter on two occasions and have absolutely no doubt that Andy McKane, as the candidate endorsed by the West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Constituency Association, was and is the person best placed to regain an Ulster Unionist seat in our Constituency.