Donaldson sets out his stall in market

“This is one of the most important elections we have had for many years,” said Mr Donaldson.

“It is therefore vital that we have the strongest team of MP’s representing us to ensure that Northern Ireland and Lagan Valley gets the best deal possible.

“With 18 years as local MP and many more years of political experience operating at the highest levels of politics, I seek re-election to Parliament and believe I am best placed to do this important work for the local community.

“I will also continue to actively engage in addressing local issues. In Lagan Valley the provision of good healthcare for our community remains a priority for me.

“With plans to more closely integrate GP primary care with services at the Lagan Valley Hospital, we will have the reinstatement of 24 hour cover at the hospital, seven days a week with the establishment of a Minor Injuries Unit in addition to the current A & E facility. This will represent a multi-million pound investment in the Lagan Valley hospital and will help to secure it’s future.

“I have also worked hard to support local primary and secondary schools throughout the constituency as well as the new South Eastern Regional College in the City of Lisburn. I will fight for the provision of adequate pre-school and primary school provision across Lisburn so as to ensure that every child has a pre-school place and that all schools receive the funding needed to continue delivering the highest quality of education for all our children and young people.

“Our local economy is beginning to recover from the effects of the global recession. John Lewis remain committed to Sprucefield and have our full support as they seek planning approval.

“A priority remains the construction of the Knockmore Link Road and the new M1 Motorway junctions onto the Maze development site.

“This will open up some 1,000 acres of land at Maze and Blaris for industrial and mixed use development and create the biggest development hub in Northern Ireland.

“Equally, we must continue to support the regeneration of our city and town centres and ensure that local businesses have the support that they need to expand and create employment.

“I strongly believe that if we adopt a more focused and coordinated approach to promoting our locality, then Lagan Valley really can have a bright future, with steady growth in our population and in job creation.

“As a politician I will continue to take a principled stand on issues that matter to local people and to contend for what I believe to be good for our society. That is why I am seeking re-election to Parliament so that I can continue to work hard for all the people that I represent.”