Speaking on his selection Michael Bower commented, “I am honoured to be selected to fight for the West Tyrone Westminster seat for Alliance.
“Only Alliance prioritises building a shared future for Northern Ireland and consensus based, cross-community politics. The latest events surrounding the devolution of policing and justice powers have shown that Alliance is willing and able to play a constructive role to strengthen devolved powers and fight to ensure that progress is made on building a shared future.
“West Tyrone has suffered from its lack of representation at Westminster in the last decade. It has had no voice regarding benefit policy, taxation levels and on whether or not we should have gone to war in Iraq and Afghanistan because the current MP refuses to take his seat.
“I believe that West Tyrone deserves better. You just need to look and see how the recession has hit West Tyrone to see just how much it needs someone fighting its corner in Westminster.
“If elected, I promise to be a representative for all in West Tyrone, not just for a narrow section of the community. Now, more than ever, Northern Ireland needs politicians who can unite rather than those that divide.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
Michael Bower is 23 years old and currently works as an assistant to Dr Stephen Farry MLA. He grew up in Donegal, Augher and Omagh and is a past Head Boy of Omagh Academy. Michael recently graduated with first-class honours in Psychology from Queen’s University Belfast where he was active in Student Union politics.