Irwin selected as DUP candidate for election

Speaking following a packed DUP spring conference on Saturday, at which all Assembly candidates were present, Mr Irwin said he was “relishing” the campaign ahead and looked forward to polling day.

He said, “This will be my third Assembly election campaign and in each of the previous two Assembly polls I have been firmly endorsed by the people of Newry & Armagh to represent them at Stormont. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years working hard for the people of Newry & Armagh and I very much look forward to the campaign ahead.

“Our First Minister and party leader Arlene Foster MLA has a very clear and ambitious plan for Northern Ireland and everyone I speak to is impressed with her leadership, her charisma, her personality and, most importantly, her vision for this part of the United Kingdom.”

He added, “It really is quite a stark and important decision for the people of Newry & Armagh. A first preference vote for me on May 5 is a vital vote for Arlene Foster to continue her important work in her role as the First Minister for Northern Ireland. The alternative is, of course, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness as First Minister and that would be extremely detrimental to Northern Ireland and the progress made to date.

“Make no mistake, every seat will matter in this campaign and a swing of only two votes in every hundred from the DUP to Sinn Fein would see Martin McGuinness as First Minister.

“I am motivated by representing the best interests of the electorate and in my role as chairman of the agriculture committee I have proven myself to be a champion of our rural communities.

“My two full times offices and competent staff continue to provide a first class and fast reacting service to the entire constituency – I want that to continue in the new Assembly term.”