ENNISKILLEN UUP candidate, Howard Thornton has overcome cancer and is now ready to represent the local people in the new Fermanagh Omagh council.
With 29 year’s service in the police under his belt, Howard, pictured, stood for election in 2011, but was unable to devote his full efforts and attention to the campaign. He was diagnosed two weeks after he was announced as a UUP candidate.
However, he still ran.
“I kept going as best I could. I achieved 489 first preference votes, which was remarkable considering the lack of work I could have put into it.”
The former Portora student is keen to make up for lost time.
“This time round I’m looking forward to putting my full effort into the campaign”, he said this week, “and I would certainly hope if we can get voters out, we can get all three Ulster Unionist candidates in.”
“I have had a lot of experience in my life, whether it’s been through the police or different organisations and I would like to represent them and others that I know.”
He acknowledged there were a lot of people not voting, who, he conceded, are disillusioned.
“I would hope that I can sort of bring a representation to them, and I also have the time to devote to the role as I am retired, whereas others may not.”
As to his involvement in politics, he said he believed in the Union first and foremost and, likewise, his family had been associated with the UUP from when he was young.
Some of the key issues in his sights are policing, tourism and, anti-social behaviour in the Holyhill car-park area of Enniskillen.
“When something affects the general public for such a long period of time, enforcement has to come into play.”
As a former tourist guide at Castle Coole Howard, also believes that improvements must be made to fully maximise the tourism potential of the county.
Howard Thornton is standing in Enniskillen alongside sitting party members Robert Irvine and Basil Johnston.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere