Endorsing the DUP team, the local Member of Parliament said:

“I am delighted to be with our strong DUP team for the Portadown area this morning as nomination papers are submitted.

In Central DEA, we have our hard working and energetic Councillor, Margaret Tinsley, joined by a new candidate, Ian Patterson. This is a very strong team, and those living in the Central DEA know that Margaret has delivered a first class constituency service, going above and beyond to help people and deliver investment by Council into local facilities such a play parks. Ian brings with him a strong record of community volunteering, and if elected alongside Margaret we would have a very strong and dynamic DUP team in Central DEA.

Portadown DEA will see sitting Councillors Lavelle McIlwrath and Kyle Moutray joined by another new face, Alan Mulholland. Both Lavelle and Kyle have vast experience in public service, and have worked alongside the local community to see significant investment and improvements in the Portadown area. Alan, who replaces the retiring Sydney Anderson on the ballot paper, is from the Birches area and is deeply rooted in the area, running a business and with involvement in the Loyal Orders. This impressive DUP team offers the electorate a strong voice, with a determination and drive to deliver more.

I would encourage people to get behind the DUP candidates in their areas. If we return 5 DUP Councillors across Central DEA and Portadown DEA, it would a significant boost for unionism and allow us to champion the needs of these areas in the new Council term. On 18th May, vote DUP and then transfer to other pro-union candidates to keep these areas moving forward.”