I am seeking re-election to the NI Assembly to continue to deliver effective leadership for the Strangford Constituency.

Full statement

Since 2016 I have delivered legislation to support you and your family through modernisation of NI's welfare reform mitigation package, successfully fought for people bereaved by miscarriage to be able to have equal access to parental bereavement leave, modernised licencing and gambling laws, and worked throughout the pandemic to ensure emergency measures and money were taken to protect and support our whole Community.

Kellie's Priorities for Strangford

1. Protecting the Environment and Animals

Serving a constituency with the longest coastline, Kellie has championed measures to replace the outdated Batement Formula to ensure NI Departments include climate change impacts such as coastal erosion on lough and sea side communities acround Northern Ireland. Kellie is also seeking reform of legislation to protect the marine environment from intertidal gathering of shellfish that strips the shoreline of seaweed leaving the environment exposed. Kellie is opposed to hunting of mamals with dogs and will seek to make this outdated and cruel practice illegal in the next mandate.

2. Championing Economic Security

Kellie has advocated lifting people out of poverty through the provision of better housing, a real Living Wage, improved and NI specific welfare mitigations and support for families. Kellie has raised dissapointment at the lack of investment from Invest NI and other government bodies in Strangford. This means opportunities for jobs and businesses have not been as forthcoming as they are in neighbouring constituencies. Kellie will commit to securing more investment in Strangford to provide a more vibrant economy and economic opportunities for more of the Community.

3. Shared Society

Kellie is commited to the Alliance vision of a Shared Society where every person is treated equallly and with respect. In the last mandate she successfully introduced her Private Member's Bill 'The Integrated Education Bill', soon to become law. This bill provides support for Integrated Schools across NI to ensure the concept of children being educated together is available for as many parents in NI who want this choice for their children. Kellie is opposed to the Designation system that gives Unionists and Nationalists additional voting powers in the Assembly. During the next mandate Kellie will continue to work towards changing this outdated system to ensure every person elected to the Assembly has the same value and vote.