West Belfast deserves a strong, professional, full-time Unionist voice focused on the real priorities people care about: housing, education, healthcare, safer streets and investment. It deserves representation that wants Northern Ireland to work, not parties campaigning for its destruction.
Boundary changes mean there are now more Unionists in West Belfast than in the past. That creates both a responsibility and an opportunity. With the right approach, Unionism can again win representation here – but only if we act with determination, humility and a willingness to work together.
That is why I have been heartened by the positive response from grassroots Unionists to our call for talks with the incoming Ulster Unionist leader. I look forward to meeting with him in the coming period. Our people do not want hesitation; they want a can-do, will-do attitude and cooperation that delivers results on the ground.
Unionist cooperation is not about party advantage. It is about what is best for our people and how we plan for the next 25 years within the Union in a fast-changing world. No serious Unionist should be complacent or rule out options without rational consideration.
We have a moment of opportunity - but moments like this do not last forever. The choices we make now will shape whether Unionism enters the next decade on the front foot or looks back at missed chances.
I believe Unionism can win again in West Belfast. And by doing so, we can help strengthen Unionism right across Northern Ireland.
This is a new beginning – and it matters.
Yours sincerely,
