Former colleagues pay tribute to Lockhart

FOLLOWING the resignation of Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart from the DUP, her former colleagues across Armagh had some generous farewells.

Councillor Scott Armstrong said: “I stood alongside on 24 October in Portadown, supporting Portadown District’s legal right to walk its traditional route. I knew then that Carla was steadfast and resolute in her position.

“Carla is a woman of principle. Whilst we may not have agreed on everything, I know that we shared far more in common than we ever disagreed on.

“It is sad to see Carla leave the DUP, and I am sure it was not a decision she took lightly. I respect her decision, the reasons behind it and the convictions that have led her to this point.

“I wish Carla every success and all the very best in her future endeavours. I sincerely hope that, one day, we as unionists can come together once again under the same banner, putting our differences aside and working collectively to secure a successful and prosperous future for Northern Ireland.”

Councillor Adam Copeland echoed the sentiments and said “the DUP has lost one of its strongest representatives”.

He added, “Carla is someone who has had the courage and conviction to stand up and be counted. A hard worker, a strong unionist voice, and someone who genuinely 'gets it'. Someone who understands what it is all about and, importantly, understands the communities she serves.

“She has never shied away from the difficult questions or issues.

“In my own experience working with community groups, Carla never failed to ask what we needed or how she could help, even though those groups were well outside her constituency.

“I respect Carla's decision and the convictions behind it. It takes courage to stand by your principles, particularly when doing so comes at a personal cost.

“I also hope that Carla's departure is not used as an opportunity for political point-scoring. There are bigger issues at stake than party politics. We cannot afford to allow party-political differences to continually divide and weaken our collective voice. That should give us all cause for reflection.

“I want to wish Carla the very best for the future. “

Leading Ulster Unionist figure James Speers (son of former UUP Councillor Jim Speers) said, “As someone who wants to see the Union secured for generations to come, I believe we need to be honest about where unionism is and, more importantly, where it needs to go.

“The political landscape has changed. The challenges are different, and we cannot continue fighting yesterday’s battles while allowing internal divisions and party rivalries to dictate our future.

“I believe there is a genuine appetite among people for change. They want to see unionist leadership working together, a clear strategic direction and a movement that looks forward rather than constantly looking inwards.

“It is right that talks among our unionist family should happen. They must be constructive, meaningful and based on mutual respect, with a willingness to put the wider interests of unionism and Northern Ireland first.

“But we must think bigger than electoral pacts or simply maximising the votes we already have.

“We need a genuine realignment within unionism.

“One built on shared objectives and a clear commitment to: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom; Rebuilding confidence and broadening the appeal of unionism; Delivering better government, economic opportunity and public services; Engaging younger generations and appealing beyond our traditional support base.

“No one party has all the answers, and no party should put its own interests before the wider future of the Union.”

He added, “The Union must be more than something we defend; it must be something that works, delivers and inspires confidence among everyone who calls Northern Ireland home.

“The time has come for leadership, ambition and a willingness to do things differently.

“Let’s stop managing division and start building the future of unionism.”