A TUV spokesman said:
“The message from across the party was clear, the cause which brought TUV into existence remains right. Likewise the extension to Northern Ireland of the universal right to vote a party out of office and to have an Opposition is an unanswerable imperative which can only be attained through the replacement of unworkable compulsory coalition at Stormont with the democratic and viable alternative of voluntary coalition.”

Speaking to the delegates TUV Leader Jim Alister said:
“With every day that passes we see the continuance of malfunctioning misgovernment at Stormont. Now, even the long overdue reform of local government is stalled and the long promised parading ‘Code of Conduct’ is delayed by DUP/Sinn Fein disagreement. Government by deadlock is not government at all. Yet, this is the certain product of the unworkable system imposed under the Belfast Agreement. The fact that not even an Opposition is permitted in Stormont adds not just to the democratic deficit but underscores the absurdity of the system. Change is imperative if progress is ever to be possible.”

“Of course, our election results were disappointing and far below what the hard work of our election teams deserved, but I wish to thank all who contributed and those who voted TUV.

“There are still Unionists who have not bowed the knee to terrorist-inclusive government and who still know and vote for what is right.”

“In politics, as in life, people should do right and vote accordingly.

“If you don’t think it is right to have unrepentant terrorists in your government, then you should not vote for those who put them there, but rather TUV, the only party standing in principled opposition to such a travesty.

“Nothing that is morally wrong can be politically right.”

“On Saturday I had the privilege of watching the Royal Irish Regiment excising their right as Freemen of the Borough of North Down to parade through Bangor. I was delighted that local people turned out in force to show their support for the Regiment who are preparing for a six month tour of duty in Helmand Province.

“The 1st Battalion had served in Afghanistan last year and are now returning to help the Afghan National Army take responsibility for the peace and security of their own country.

“I am sure that our brave soldiers drew immense encouragement from the rapturous response which they received from local people.

“A priority in the next Parliament will be to secure success in both Afghanistan and Iraq and to that end our gallant troops must have the resources and supplies they need. TUV will speak and vote in parliament to ensure this is so.

“From the experience of Northern Ireland we will resist ‘political solutions’ which betray the sacrifices of our troops. We’ve seen enough reward locally for terrorists to be determined opponents of buy-offs and sops to the Taliban and Iraqi insurgents”.

Statement by TUV North Down candidate Kaye Kilpatrick:

“The DUP’s stated reason for not fielding a candidate in North Down is cynical in the extreme. There is no possibility of North Down being won by a Nationalist. Therefore to claim that they are motivated by their desire to see “Unionist unity” is utter nonsense. If a desire to see Unionist unity is the motivating factor why have they not withdrawn from Fermanagh and South Tyrone and South Belfast – where a spit Unionist vote genuinely is an issue of concern?

“This move isn’t about Unionist unity. It’s about helping Lady Sylvia – a woman who believes that Sinn Fein/IRA is “not our enemy”.

“I would now call on all convinced Unionists to rally behind me as the only real Unionist on the ballot paper in North Down. Lady Sylvia will be running as an independent while local Ulster Unionists have been disenfranchised by the imposition of a Tory candidate.”



Traditional Unionist Voice has announced that their Westminster candidate for North Down will be Kaye Kilpatrick.

Mrs Kilpatrick, who is a graduate of the University of Ulster in Business Studies, currently works for the South Eastern Regional College. She has previously worked in the accountancy and banking sectors.

Outlining why she is contesting the seat Mrs Kilpatrick said:
“I believe it is important that the people of North Down should have an opportunity to vote for a Unionist who – unlike the outgoing MP – can see that Sinn Fein/IRA are enemies of Northern Ireland. Lady Sylvia may not be able to see the immorality of terrorists being at the heart of government but I am confident that thousands of her constituents can. She may not recognise the foolishness of having those dedicated to the destruction of the state in Ministerial office but ordinary Unionists can.

“Lady Hermon is a strong supporter of the disastrous Hillsborough Agreement, support may see her getting a free run from the Sinn Fein/IRA’s governmental partners, the DUP. A vote for Lady Hermon, therefore, is a vote to gift Sinn Fein/IRA – an organisation which murdered policemen and judges – a veto over every legislative and funding proposal affecting the Justice Department.

“If I am given the honour to represent the people of North Down in the Commons I pledge to ensure that their voice is heard on issues of local and national significance.”

Commenting on the selection of the TUV candidate, Kaye Kilpatrick, in North Down, TUV Leader Jim Allister QC said:-

“I firmly believe North Down is one of those constituencies where TUV will surprise many commentators and in Kaye Kilpatrick we have an excellent candidate of ability and commitment.

“With every other potential candidate, the sitting Member included, being an enthusiastic supporter of terrorists in government, the constituency which hitherto showed its attachment to core Unionist values when it elected Robert McCartney, will again have the opportunity to send a strong dependable Unionist to Westminster, one who has no doubt or equivocation over Sinn Fein being the enemy, not the friend, of this part of the UK.

“So, with the pro-terrorists in government vote badly split, I look forward to a good result in North Down.”