12/08/2008

Sinn Fein Picks Fermanagh Council Candidate

Sinn Féin has selected its candidate for the coveted Fermanagh Council by-election.

Party advice centre worker Debbie Coyle is poised to stand against DUP heavyweight Arlene Foster and the UUP's Basil Johnston for the Enniskillen seat, previously occupied by the late Joe Dodds, father of NI Finance Minister Nigel Dodds.

Ms Coyle, a 47-year-old mother of seven, who originally hails from London, will now kick-start her campaign for the September election.

The election looks set to be a closely run race.

Commentators have suggested this one of the reasons the DUP picked Executive Minister Ms Foster to challenge for the seat.

The DUP is also said to be still reeling from February's Dromore Council By-Election loss to the UUP.

The UUP previously rejected DUP offers of a co-op that would ensure the Enniskillen councillor position remained in Unionist hands.

The SDLP has yet to choose their candidates and the TUV has said it will not contest the election.

See: Foster Selected For 'Too Close To Call' By-Election

(PR/JM)

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