Trimble takes election campaign to Shankill

Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble took his party's Assembly election campaign to the Shankill Road yesterday.

Accompanied by UUP candidate for west Belfast, Chris McGimpsey, Mr Trimble set out his party’s proposals on crime as he canvassed support from shoppers and local traders during his visit.

Canvassing support for Mr McGimpsey, the Upper Bann MP said: “In Chris McGimpsey, we have an excellent standard-bearer in West Belfast who knows from his work as a City Councillor the many challenges that face people who live in this part of the constituency.

“People here need a fearless voice, a strong representative in the Assembly who will fight their corner. They will get just such an individual in Chris.

“This is a winnable seat for Ulster Unionists. We know what has to be done to re-build the economic base and renew the social fabric of the Shankill and many other Unionist areas which have suffered at the hands of Republicanism."

Highlighting crime which is a major issue on the Shankill following the recent internal turf war between UDA factions including Johnny Adair, Mr Trimble said his party was committed to freeing up more Police resources to address the problem head-on.

“The Police are the professional spearhead in the fight against gangsterism, extortion and racketeering, but the spearhead needs sharpened," he said.

“For that very reason, Ulster Unionists are working for new policing and sentencing powers as well as new laws on anti-social behaviour.

“Our objectives are to bring more criminals before the courts; to take repeat offenders off the streets and to see tougher and more varied sentencing."

Mr McGimpsey faces stiff opposition from the DUP's Diane Dodds, wife of north Belfast MP Nigel, and the ever popular PUP candidate, and former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Hugh Smyth for the single unionist seat available in west Belfast.

(MB)