General Election: DUP's Antrim candidates have 'record of delivery' - Gavin Robinson

The DUP announces its candidates for the three main County Antrim constituencies in Ballymena.

Ian Paisley’s mother said she is very proud of her son and that he has “a great record of serving his constituents”.

Baroness Paisley, 92, said: “He has all my best wishes and prayers for him and our country. It’s so important that people think carefully and use their heads at this time of change”.

Mr Paisley will face a big challenge from the TUV leader Jim Allister, in the first Westminster head-to-head between the pair since 2010.

Baroness Paisley, 92, has said she is proud of her son Ian who will run for the DUP again in North Antrim at the general election.

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson was in Ballymena nominating his candidates for the North, South and East Antrim constituencies. Ian Paisley, Paul Girvan and Sammy Wilson are running again in the traditionally unionist seats.

Mr Robinson said: “The DUP has a record of delivering for Northern Ireland from Westminster. Our experience in County Antrim is unparalleled at using our influence to secure jobs and investment for the County.

“Sammy, Ian and Paul have all been able to strengthen the rural economy of County Antrim by delivering fibre broadband to almost 16,000 homes across the county. These were homes with next to no broadband and now they have faster connections than people living in the centre of Manchester.

“The DUP MPs secured £150m for the project in 2017 and its rollout with be completed by the end of 2025. Indeed, this project will make Northern Ireland the best-connected region in Europe. We just don’t talk about making Northern Ireland work, we have a record of delivery.

“Democratic Unionists will put the people of Northern Ireland first, by working with other parties in Parliament to ensure Northern Ireland’s case is always spotlighted”.

The DUP leader – who will run again himself in East Belfast – accused opponents of being “expert at identifying the problems” but have “no record of fixing the problems”.

He said: “If Northern Ireland is to keep moving in the right direction, then it needs a strong team of DUP MPs in Westminster speaking up and standing up for Northern Ireland”.

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