MP yet to declare

NORTH Down MP Sylvia Hermon continues to remain tight lipped over her future political plans for the fast approaching general election, this week.

Speaking exclusively to the Spectator yesterday (Wednesday) Lady Hermon said she would talk with constituents, friends and family ´over the next few days´ before coming to a final decision.

The hardworking MP spoke of her ´considerable sadness´ at her decision not to stand as a joint Conservative and Unionist candidate in the general election, expected to be held on May 6.

As the sole Ulster Unionist MP in Northern Ireland, Lady Hermon has consistently refused to endorse the UUP/Conservative Party link that was forged between the two parties back in 2008.

She told the Spectator she now finds herself in a ´very difficult place´ after special dispensation to allow her to run as an Ulster Unionist could not be agreed. Lady Hermon won the North Down seat as an Ulster Unionist back in 2001.

Speculation continues that the popular Lady Sylvia, wife of the former chief constable Sir Jack Hermon, may choose to run as an independent in the forthcoming general election.

Following the teatime deadline for Ulster Unionist Party nominations on Tuesday (23rd), it has emerged there are now two UUP applications for the North Down seat. 

The Spectator believes these applications are from Johnny Andrews and Bill McKendry, who both live outside the North Down constituency. 

Mr Andrews is currently a party officer and is from Comber, while Mr McKendry recently applied to be the party´s candidate in Strangford.