East Belfast UUP

04/09/2026

I am delighted to have been chosen to represent the Ulster Unionist Party in Lisnasharragh at the next council election.

Lisnasharragh is my home, and it has given me so much. This is where I’ve chosen to build my life and start a family, and it has completely won my heart.

I’ve met some of the friendliest people I’ve ever known. I’ve got to know the people behind our local businesses, the volunteers who give up their time for this community, and the neighbours who make this such a brilliant part of Belfast to live in.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen plenty of problems too.

Our rates are going up, yet our streets are getting messier. Businesses and residents are being asked to pay more, while too often the basics aren’t being delivered as they should be.

I don’t think we should just accept that.

I want to represent you on Belfast City Council because I want to represent my home.

I want Lisnasharragh to be a place where our streets are clean, our businesses can thrive, our communities are listened to, and where people can be proud of where they live.

I’m looking forward to getting out across Lisnasharragh, listening to you, hearing what matters to you, and earning your support.

This is my home. I want to be a part of making it the best it can be.

31/08/2026

The legal test for holding a border poll is whether the Secretary of State believes that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would support constitutional change.

That was agreed in 1998 and put into law. When the change some hoped for hasn’t come - they are trying to reopen the border poll test a generation later.

There is currently zero basis for the Secretary of State to believe that a majority of people here support leaving the United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland faces real and urgent challenges: the cost of living, health waiting lists, inadequate childcare, failing wastewater infrastructure, a shortage of housing and too many young people leaving because the opportunities they need are not here.

That is where our political energy should be focused.

Sinn Féin may want to drag every debate back to the constitution, but endless border poll speculation creates uncertainty and distracts from the serious work of making Northern Ireland more successful. The media also want to keep litigating this issue - yet few people in the real world get out of bed in the morning or lose sleep at night about the tests for a border poll.

Our priority must be delivering better government, growing our economy and building a Northern Ireland in which people want to live, work, invest and raise their families. Let’s get to work.

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

I’m delighted to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for Belfast South and Mid Down.

This constituency is home to me. I have roots right across it, and I care deeply about its future.

My life and career have been shaped by public service, through health, local government and service in the RAF, and I want to bring that experience to the Assembly.

I believe good politics starts with listening. People want representatives who understand the pressures they face, focus on the issues that matter in everyday life, and work hard to deliver practical results.

I’m proud to be standing for a party that represents confident, constructive unionism and believes Northern Ireland is strengthened by good government, strong public services, and a clear focus on making this the best place it can be.

Over the months ahead, I’m looking forward to getting out across Belfast South and Mid Down, meeting people, listening to your priorities and representing the many different voices that make up our constituency.

There is a lot of work ahead — and I’m looking forward to getting started.

28/08/2026

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

🏃‍♂️ FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS

A useful funding opportunity for sports clubs and community organisations across East Belfast and beyond.

Phase 3 of Sport NI’s Creating Opportunities programme is now open, supporting new and additional projects that make sport and physical activity more inclusive and accessible across Northern Ireland.

The programme is particularly focused on helping remove barriers that prevent people from getting involved in sport, whether as participants, coaches, officials or leaders.

Applications are linked to a crowdfunding campaign, with eligible organisations able to access additional support through Sport NI’s National Lottery-funded programme.

If your club or organisation has an idea that could help more people get involved in sport or physical activity, it is well worth taking a look.

👇 Full details, eligibility and guidance are available from Sport NI:

https://www.sportni.net/funding/creating-opportunities/

09/08/2026

Northern Ireland must be spared another cynical collapse of Stormont for electoral gain.

The two largest parties have both collapsed our devolved government, leaving public services and ordinary people to pay the price.

At the next election, we must break this cycle of dysfunction. We need competence, delivery and the public must come first - and not be an afterthought.

It is time for New Leadership. Real Change.

07/08/2026

Great to meet with Matthew from The King’s Trust to hear more about their work and the support available to young people.

The King’s Trust offers a range of free support for 16 to 30-year-olds, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and take the next step into work, training or self-employment.

✨ Boost your confidence – personal development support for ages 16–30, helping young people try new things, meet others and build essential life and work skills.

💼 Get a job – support for ages 16–30 to explore career options, build confidence, develop employability skills and connect with potential employers.

💡 Start a business – support for ages 18–30, including business training, resources, mentoring and potential funding opportunities.

Support is available both in person and online and can include one-to-one mentoring, courses and opportunities to meet other young people.

It was great to hear more about what is available locally and how we can help make sure more young people across Belfast are aware of the support available to them.

Find out more here:
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/how-we-can-help

07/08/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻

East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA and Communities Spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has welcomed the launch of the Department for the Economy’s consultation on the future regulation of heat networks in Northern Ireland, saying it provides an important opportunity to put consumer protection and affordability at the heart of the sector from the outset.

Mr Allen, who chairs the All-Party Group on Fuel Poverty, said the consultation rightly recognises that customers connected to heat networks cannot easily switch supplier if they are unhappy with the service, making robust regulation essential.

The East Belfast MLA said:

“As Northern Ireland looks to develop heat networks as part of our future energy mix, it is essential that consumers have confidence in the system from day one.

“Unlike many other energy customers, those connected to a heat network cannot easily switch supplier if prices rise or service falls below an acceptable standard. That makes strong regulation, transparency and independent oversight absolutely vital.

“I welcome the Department’s proposals to introduce a Northern Ireland-specific regulatory framework, including proposals for a role for the Utility Regulator, an authorisation regime for heat network operators and continued protections around metering and billing. However, these measures must be seen as the beginning rather than the end of consumer protection.

“The final framework must include strong protections for vulnerable consumers, including older people, people with disabilities and families already struggling with the cost of heating their homes. The transition to lower-carbon heating should support efforts to tackle fuel poverty, not create new financial pressures.

“Getting this framework right now is critical. If consumers are expected to place their trust in heat networks, they must know they are protected, treated fairly and receiving value for money. That should be the foundation on which any future expansion of heat networks is built.”