South Down Election Cycle 2017
When you go to vote on Thursday 2nd March 2017 in South Down cycling might not be your top priority, but where candidates stand might have a bearing on where you place your preferences. We contacted all of the candidates standing for election to the Northern Ireland Assembly – below you can see if they responded and what they think of our ask:
Will you commit to invest at least £10 per head of population on cycling measures and pledge to support and build upon the urban and rural cycling strategies launched since August 2015?
Sinead Bradley (SDLP)
“You have my support on all three.”
Patrick Brown (Alliance)
“Yes we agree this investment, it’s in our Manifesto and Deputy Leader Stephen Farry was on Talkback defending it.”
Patrick Clarke (Independent)
No response so far.
Sinead Ennis (Sinn Féin)
“I can confirm that Sinn Féin supports your 3 key asks as detailed below:
- Investment: Sinn Féin supports funding for cycling of at least £10 per head of population, so as to encourage safer cycling conditions and see more people start cycling
- Greenways: Sinn Féin supports the Greenways Strategy and the development of traffic-free greenways across the country to boost rural regeneration and tourism.
- Legislation: Sinn Féin supports the introduction of an Active Travel Act to incorporate cycling and walking provision into land-use planning and new developments.
“Post-election I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues as we seek to emphasise the health and social benefits of cycling.”
Hannah George (Green)
“Thank you for contacting me on this campaign. The Green Party and I are committed to pledging at least £10 per head of population to be spent on cycling provision and investment in Northern Ireland.”
Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin)
“Yes. I am delighted to once again sign up to the pledge. Looking forward to some exciting progress in the years ahead.”
Gary Hynds (Conservatives)
“I will make this commitment to you and your group.”
Colin McGrath (SDLP)
“Happy to support and endorse this campaign. So sad to go to other European countries and see people of all ages embracing and using bicycles in all walks of life. I just hope we can make it the same here. Good luck!”
Harold McKee (UUP)
No response so far.
Lyle Rea (TUV)
“Yes to all 3 questions.”
Jim Wells (DUP)
No response so far.