By Julie Waters
THE identity of the Ulster Unionist candidate that local people will be able to vote for in North Down’s forthcoming Assembly election remains up in the air.
The uncertainty continues after a Belfast newspaper reported that Ards peninsula councillor Pete Wray was the only candidate seeking election in the constituency.
However, sources close to sitting and well-respected Ulster Unionist Assemblyman Alan Chambers have rubbished this suggestion.
It is known that Mr Wray is seeking nomination and that Mr Chambers has been critical of the selection process in the past; leading to a selection headache for new Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows.
Sources close to Mr Chambers, who at 78 years of age is the Father of the House, have told this newspaper that the North Down MLA followed party protocols and submitted an expression of interest to be considered the candidate in next year’s elections.
The sources went on to explain that Mr Chambers’ expression of interest received an acknowledgement from the party.
It is understood that at ‘no time’ did Mr Chambers indicate that he was withdrawing his name from wishing to be an Ulster Unionist Party candidate. However, sources have said that Mr Chambers indicated he was not prepared to go in front of a selection committee as he did not have any confidence in that process.
At this stage, it is not known if Mr Chambers will run as an independent candidate; this would likely further split the North Down Unionist vote given Mr Chambers’ large personal vote.
A well-respected local politician, Mr Chambers has built a solid reputation for delivering for his constituents during a political career spanning several decades.
However, speculation continues to grow that Mr Wray will be selected as the North Down candidate as he was part of a high profile Ulster Unionist delegation that recently met with the new Secretary of State Chris Bryant at Hillsborough Castle.
Mr Wray has stated that a range of topics discussed included the budget, legacy, Stormont reform, illegal immigration and funding for the community and voluntary sector.
