The Threats Facing Country Sports and the Rural Way of Life in Northern Ireland Brief prepared
By Countryside Alliance Ireland Countryside Alliance Ireland The Courtyard Larchfield Estate Lisburn BT27 6XJ Tel: 028 9263 9911
Page 2
Contents
Page/s
Some Common Criticisms of our Activities & the Arguments in Our Defence
3
Threats facing us in Northern Ireland
5
Writing to your MLAs
12
Constituency information
14
Guide to a Successful Meeting with your MLA
32
WORKING TO PROTECT YOUR RURAL WAY OF LIFE
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Some Common Criticisms of our Activities & the Arguments in Our Defence N.B. Remember that every field sport is an equally legitimate activity and an essential part of a long-established & complex web of countryside management techniques. We must be careful not to portray any one activity as a preferable alternative to another. Each sport is for a different purpose and has its own set of regulations / standards of good practice / code of ethics, which ensure good standards of conservation and animal welfare in the overall best interests of wildlife & environmental management. MYTH - Country sports threaten wildlife populations FACT - All field sports recognise close seasons (either statutory or voluntary) to permit quarry species to rear their young undisturbed. Without control of predator species the prey species would be in greater decline (eg witness the effect of predator control in the current Glenwherry Moorland management project, which has involved control of foxes & licensed culling. In consequence the numbers of grouse, curlew, snipe and Irish hares have increased.) Hare population levels are demonstrably higher in areas where Coursing Clubs have positive conservation schemes in place. MYTH - Hunting with hounds causes suffering for the hunted animal FACT - Earlier, so called “scientific evidence” to this effect has been superseded by veterinary opinion that traditional quarry species are hunted in nature, do not suffer undue stress due to pursuit, and lack the complex brain and mental abilities which would be a prerequisite for them to experience “fear”. They live in a state of “alertness” necessary for survival in the wild. The Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management further states that hunting with hounds is the most humane method for controlling the fox. Anecdotal evidence from those who have observed hunted animals confirm “normal” behaviour during pursuit and even when the pursuing pack is relatively close to the hunted animal, and veterinary study has demonstrated that after pursuit animals return quickly to normal function. MYTH - Fox hunting is unnecessary & cruel FACT - In the absence of natural predators the fox has risen to the top of the food chain. At the interface between areas of semi-natural environment and the landscape shaped by mankind, predation by foxes on stock reared by man is a problem & fox numbers have to be controlled. Hunting with hounds leaves no wounded survivors, the final stages of a hunt are very quick and once the hounds close on the fox death takes place almost instantaneously. Hunting also serves to disperse locally high populations, reducing the risk of stock-worrying.
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MYTH - Hare hunting involves killing an endangered species FACT - Traditional hare hunting in NI using packs of beagles or foot harriers does not seek to catch the hare, rather the hunt followers enjoy watching how the hunted hare uses its natural instincts to avoid being caught. Where, very occasionally, a hare is caught, it is usually a weak individual, whose removal from the breeding population is of positive benefit to the local genetic pool, or an ill / injured animal. In coursing the objective is for the dogs to turn their hare, not to catch it, and the hounds are not slipped until the hare is at sufficient distance to minimize the risks of catching. Additionally, in coursing under ICC rules, muzzles are worn and hares which have been netted for coursing are kept under veterinary supervision. The most recently published annual report from the Quercus research group of QUB (field survey undertaken in early 2009) indicates an estimated population density of c.1.95 hares per sq km (very nearly satisfying the target density of 2 hares per sq.km. set in the current Species Action Plan). No significant change in the hare population was found compared with 2008. Protection, by way of a close season during the main breeding period and prohibition on taking hares during darkness or on Sundays, continues to be provided under the current Game Laws. Hare hunting has been practised in Ireland for at least 2,000 years – a long proven record as a sustainable activity. MYTH - It is cruel to kill deer using hounds FACT - Stag hunting in Northern Ireland does not seek to kill the stag. The hunt ceases when the stag is at bay & hounds are called off. The stag is unharmed, returns quickly to normal activity & is free to roam. MYTH - Shooting is inherently unfair, as the birds cannot defend themselves FACT - Populations of many game species in our countryside are maintained only because of their value as quarry, with vermin control and breeding for release ensuring their survival. Many other wild species which share their habitat also benefit, and would be vulnerable to extinction without game-keeping. Any birds shot are taken for consumption, with revenue from sales to the food industry helping to defray the costs of employing keepers. Shooters go to great trouble, using highly trained dogs, to ensure any wounded birds are recovered and humanely despatched as quickly as possible. MYTH - Country sports are elitist FACT - Throughout Ireland, north & south, all forms of country sports are very egalitarian activities practised on a completely cross-community and all-inclusive basis, so that people from all sectors of society (whether viewed on the basis of religion, age, gender, physical or mental ability, place of residence or socio-economic status) come together to share these activities on an equal footing & in mutual respect.
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Angling Related Issues Increasing anti-angling activity and propaganda. Legal & Personal Liberty Aspects Legislation should not unnecessarily take away the liberty of fellow citizens to follow their chosen way of life, and the role of democracy should be to protect the interests of law abiding minorities. Participation in our innocuous rural activities should be an issue of individual moral choice rather than legislative intervention.
Threats facing us in Northern Ireland Forthcoming legislation: x Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill Tabling of amendment 23 Permanent protection of the Irish Hare Use of snares x
Welfare of Animals Bill Protected animals Tail docking Hunting, coursing and fishing – clause 53
x
Dogs (Amendment) Bill Microchipping
x
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill Power to make dog control orders
Other threats: x x
Green Party – proposed legislation to ban hunting with dogs Complacency
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Threats facing us in Northern Ireland Message from the League against Cruel Sports: “Stages of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill yet to come provide an opportunity for the Assembly to end the cruel practice of snaring, and to provide permanent protection to the Irish Hare” Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill Shooting/Fishing The tabling of amendment 23 which would have given the Minister power to “(f) prohibit or restrict the killing, taking, molesting or disturbance of living creatures of any description in the ASSI, the taking, destruction or disturbance of eggs, larvae or other immature stage, of any such creature, the taking of, or interference with, vegetation of any description in the ASSI, or the doing of anything therein which will interfere with the soil or damage any object in the ASSI; (g) prohibit or restrict the shooting of birds or of birds of any description within such area surrounding or adjoining the ASSI (whether the area be of land or of sea) as is requisite for the protection of the ASSI; This amendment was withdrawn and referred back to the Committee. We are still awaiting the new wording and full consultation. Permanent Protection to the Irish Hare Beagling and Harriers Countryside Alliance Ireland believes the Irish Hare should not be given full protection, consistent with the opinion of the Department and the recommendation made to the Minister by the Environment Committee. Scientific evidence (published February 2010) states categorically that hare populations in Northern Ireland are considerably higher and healthier in areas which are conserved by field sports enthusiasts. Possible Clause will be tabled to Ban Beagling and Harriers in order to protect the Irish Hare. Countryside Alliance Ireland opposes any attempt to ban hunting with dogs and we need your help to lobby all your local MLA’s to ensure that last minute amendments are not passed. Snaring We believe that a counter amendment may be laid down, so we need to ensure our MLA’s are aware of the importance of land management. We fully agree with the Minister’s proposals to bring in a licensing system similar to Scotland.
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Welfare of Animals Bill Protected animals 2. An animal is a “protected animal” for the purposes of this Act if (a) it is of a kind which is commonly domesticated in Northern Ireland, (b) it is under the control of man whether on a permanent or temporary basis, or (c) it is not living in a wild state. We need to ensure that this clause within the bill is not changed. Tail Docking Docking of dogs’ tails 6. -(1) A person commits an offence if that person (a) removes the whole or any part of a dog’s tail; or (b) causes the whole or any part of a dog’s tail to be removed by another person. (2) A person commits an offence if (a) that person is responsible for a dog, (b) another person removes the whole or any part of the dog’s tail, and (c) the first-mentioned person permitted that to happen or failed to take such steps (whether by way of supervising the other person or otherwise) as were reasonable in all the circumstances to prevent that happening. (3) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) or (2) if the whole or any part of a dog’s tail is removed (a) by a veterinary surgeon for the purpose of medical treatment; or (b) in order to prevent or remove an immediate danger to the life of the dog in circumstances where it is not reasonably practicable to have the tail, or, as the case may be, any part of the tail, removed by a veterinary surgeon. (4) A person commits an offence if that person takes a dog, or causes a dog to be taken, from a place in Northern Ireland for the purpose of having the whole or any part of its tail removed, otherwise than for the purpose of medical treatment administered by a veterinary surgeon. (5) A person commits an offence if -
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(a) that person shows a dog at an event to which members of the public are admitted on payment of a fee, (b) the dog’s tail has been wholly or partly removed (in Northern Ireland or elsewhere), and (c) the removal took place on or after the day on which this section comes into operation. (6) It is a defence for a person accused of an offence under subsection (5) to show that that person reasonably believed (a) that the event was not one to which members of the public were admitted on payment of an entrance fee; or (b) that the removal took place before the day on which this section comes into operation. We will be seeking an exemption for working dogs similar to that in England. Hunting, coursing and fishing 53. -(1) Nothing in this Act applies in relation to anything which occurs in the normal course of hunting or coursing any animal, not being a protected animal, unless (a) the animal is released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition; or (b) the animal is hunted or coursed in an enclosed space from which it has no reasonable chance of escape. (2) Nothing in this Act applies in relation to anything which occurs in the normal course of fishing. If this clause is deleted it will affect your activity. We need to ensure that this clause is not amended or deleted. Possible clause similar to the coursing clause to ban hunting with dogs – we need to be prepared to repel any such amendment.
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Dogs (Amendment) Bill Microchipping 2. -(1) In Article 6 of the Dogs Order (issue of dog licences) at the end add “(7) A district council shall not (a) issue a dog licence in respect of a dog, or (b) issue a transfer certificate in respect of a new dog, unless that dog has been microchipped; and any licence or transfer certificate purporting to be issued in respect of a dog which has not been microchipped is void. (8) For the purposes of paragraph (7) a dog is microchipped if (and only if) (a) a microchip has been implanted in the dog before the coming into operation of section 2(1) of the Dogs (Amendment) Act ( Northern Ireland) 2010; or (b) a microchip is implanted in the dog in accordance with regulations under Article 31(1)(f). (9) Paragraph (7) does not apply if the keeper of the dog produces to the council a certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon to the effect that implantation (or continued implantation) of a microchip in the dog would have an adverse effect on the health of the dog.”. (2) In Article 31(1) of the Dogs Order (regulations with respect to dogs) after sub-paragraph (e) insert “(f) prescribe and regulate the microchipping of dogs and regulate the reading of any microchip implanted in a dog.”. (3) In Article 31 of the Dogs Order after paragraph (1) insert “(1A) Regulations under paragraph (1)(f) may in particular provide (a) for the use of microchipping as a means of (i) identification of a dog and its keeper; (ii) licence identification; (b) for conferring powers on officers in connection with such identification; (c) that a dog is microchipped for the purposes of Article 6(7) if (and only if) (i) the microchip is of a prescribed class or description or of a class or description approved by a prescribed body or person; (ii) the microchip is implanted in the dog by a person of a prescribed class or description;
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(iii) any prescribed conditions in relation to the keeping and making available to councils of information in connection with the use of the microchip as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) are satisfied; and (iv) any other prescribed conditions are satisfied.”. Countryside Alliance Ireland opposes compulsory microchipping and believe it should be voluntary.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill Power to make dog control orders 38. -(1) A district council may in accordance with this Part make an order providing for an offence or offences relating to the control of dogs in respect of any land in its district to which this Part applies. (2) An order under subsection (1) shall be known as a “dog control order”. (3) For the purposes of this Part an offence relates to the control of dogs if it relates to one of the following matters— (a) fouling of land by dogs and the removal of dog faeces; (b) the keeping of dogs on leads; (c) the exclusion of dogs from land; (d) the number of dogs which a person may take on to any land. (4) An offence provided for in a dog control order must be an offence which is prescribed for the purposes of this section by regulations made by the Department. (5) Regulations under subsection (4) may in particular— (a) specify all or part of the wording to be used in a dog control order for the purpose of providing for any offence; (b) permit a dog control order to specify the times at which, or periods during which, an offence is to apply; (c) provide for an offence to be defined by reference to failure to comply with the directions of a person of a description specified in the regulations. (6) A dog control order may specify the land in respect of which it applies specifically or by description.
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(7) A dog control order may be revoked or amended by the council which made it; but this Part applies in relation to any amendment of a dog control order as if it were the making of a new order. We will be seeking the following amendments x x x x x
Introduction of a right of appeal following public consultation. Requirement on local authorities to consult through a variety of channels, as well as placing public notices in local newspapers. Requirement on local authorities to specify the land to which the order shall apply, in order that meaningful public consultation can take place. Requirement on local authorities to report access restrictions made to DARD (or other body) to enable record to be kept and subsequent monitoring. To include the ‘dogs on leads by direction’ order, with a requirement for authorised officers tasked with enforcing legislation to hold or undergo training in dog behaviour enabling them to adequately determine when this should be used.
Green Party’s Proposal to Ban Hunting with Dogs in Northern Ireland We will fight this all the way. Countryside Alliance Ireland disagrees with the Green Party’s proposal to introduce legislation to prohibit/restrict the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in Northern Ireland. The Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management (VAWM) state that hunting with hounds is the natural and most humane way of controlling the fox and the population of other species. Hunting with hounds is practised throughout Northern Ireland on a completely crosscommunity and all-inclusive basis, so that people from all sectors of society (whether viewed on the basis of religion, age, gender, physical & mental ability, place of residence or socioeconomic status) come together to share these activities on an equal footing and to build mutual respect. Northern Ireland’s equine sector (in which £20 million from hunting is included) makes a very significant contribution to the economy. A report by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development estimated the value of spending by the industry on services and products to be in the region of £110 million per annum; the value of stock to be approximately £108 million; the capital value of buildings and major equipment to be £121 million and the total value of land used by the equine industry is estimated to be circa £150 million.
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Writing to your MLAs While we know that it is much easier simply to copy a letter and send it off, your MLA is far more likely to take notice if you write your own letter. Sample facts upon which you can base your letter are detailed below but where possible PLEASE write your own version. Sample letter [Your house and street number] [Town] [County] [Postcode] [Email address] [Phone number] [Date] [Insert name of MLA] [Insert address of MLA] Dear [Name of MLA] I write to you, as one of your constituents, to highlight a number of concerns I have regarding forthcoming legislation and potential threats to country sports and the rural way of life. Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill I was concerned at the last minute tabling of amendments to the Bill without any consultation with interested parties and therefore I am mindful that further amendments may be laid down at the next consideration stage which could have a detrimental effect on country sports. I urge you to ensure any such last minute amendments are not passed, particularly in relation to: The permanent protection of the Irish hare - the Irish hare enjoys substantial protection under present domestic legislation. It provides for a lengthy closed season during which it is unlawful to kill or take Irish hares by any means and protection is also afforded at night time and on Sundays and I wish to see this continue within the new legislation. I urge you not to support any attempt to give full protection to the Irish Hare. Ban on the use of snares - I fully agree with the Minister’s proposals to bring in a licensing system similar to Scotland and would not like to see any alterations to this. Welfare of Animals Bill Protected animals – this clause within the Bill should remain and not be changed. Tail docking - the prophylactic docking of working dogs tails contributes to their welfare. I ask you to fully support an exemption for working dogs in respect of tail docking within this primary legislation.
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Hunting, coursing and fishing – clause 53 – this clause should remain unchanged within the Bill – its removal or alteration would adversely affect country sports. Dogs (Amendment) Bill Microchipping – I oppose compulsory microchipping and believe it should be voluntary. Responsible dog owners who are unable to afford to get their dog micro-chipped will continue to obtain a dog licence from their local council and willingly supply all information to comply with the law. If their pet does indeed stray the local council would be able to match their details with the id tag on the dog and therefore be able to contact the owner. I see no benefit in introducing compulsory microchipping. Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill Power to make dog control orders – this proposed legislation needs further consultation and clarity as it could seriously impact on responsible dog owners in Northern Ireland. Green Party – It is the Green Party’s intention to bring forward legislation to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland. I strongly disagree with any attempt to ban hunting. The Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management (VAWM) state that hunting with hounds is the natural and most humane way of controlling the fox and the population of other species. I do hope you will carefully consider the points contained within my letter. If you wish to discuss them further please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely [Insert your name here]
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Constituency - North Antrim
Rev Dr Ian Paisley DUP
Mr Daithi McKay Sinn Fein
Mr Paul Frew DUP
Rev Robert Coulter UUP
Mr Mervyn Storey DUP
Mr Declan O Loan SDLP
Title Mr Mr Mr Mr Lord Mr
First Name
Surname
Office Number/s 028 2568 028 9052 Robert Coulter 5694 1246 Paul Frew 07761 028 9052 Daithi McKay 942138 0385 028 2565 07764 Declan O'Loan 6841 220533 028 2564 Paisley of Bannside 1421 028 9052 Mervyn Storey 1873
Address
Town
Post Code
18 Springmount Road Clough Parliament Buildings Belfast 162 Bóthar na Tullachain Dun Lathaí
BT44 9QQ BT4 3XX
64 William Street
Ballymena
BT43 6AW
9Ͳ11 Church Street
Belfast
BT43 6DD
3 Market Street
Ballymoney BT53 6EA
BT44 9AF
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Constituency - East Antrim
Mr Sammy Wilson DUP
Title
First Name
Mr
Roy
Mr
David
Mr
Sean
Mr
Ken
Mr
Alastair
Mr
Sammy
Mr Alastair Ross DUP
Surname
Mr David Hilditch DUP
Office Number/s 028 2827 028 9336 Beggs 3258 2995 028 9332 028 9052 Hilditch 9980 1115 028 9335 028 9052 Neeson 0286 1711 028 9086 Robinson 2217 028 9332 Ross 9980 028 2826 Wilson 7722
Mr Sean Neeson Alliance
Mr Roy Beggs UUP
Mr Ken Robinson UUP
Address
Town
Postcode
3 St Bride Street 31 Lancasterian Street
Carrickfergus
BT38 78AF
Carrickfergus
BT38 7AB
44 Milebush Park Carrickfergus Unit 4, Metro Park, Monkstown Newtownabbey 31 Lancasterian Street Carrickfergus
BT38 7QR
116 Main Street
BT40 1RG
Larne
BT37 0ZR BT38 7AB
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Constituency - South Antrim
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin Sinn Fein
First Title Name
Paul Girvan DUP
Surname
Mr David Ford Alliance
Mr Danny Kinahan UUP
Office Number/s 028 9445 028 9058 3807 8354 028 9446 028 9052 3273 1191 028 9084 028 9052 0930 1314 028 9443 3480
Mr
Thomas Burns
Mr
Trevor
Clarke
Mr
David
Ford
Mr
Danny
Kinahan
Mr
Paul
Girvan
Mr
028 9052 Mitchel McLaughlin 1612
Mr Trevor Clarke DUP
Mr Thomas Burns SDLP
Address
Town
Postcode
17 Main Street
Crumlin
BT29 4UP
1 Lough Road Unit 2, 21A Carnmoney Road
Antrim
BT41 4DG
Newtownabbey BT36 6HL
Castle Upton
Ballyclare
BT39 OAH
27 Church Road Unit One, 2 Main Street
Ballyclare
BT39 9UF
Randalstown
BT41 3AB
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Constituency - Belfast North
Mr Nigel Dodds DUP
Title
First Name
Mr
Fred
Mr
Nigel
Mr
Gerry
Mr
Alban
Mr
Nelson
Ms
Carál
Mr Gerry Kelly Sinn Fein
Surname
Ms Caral Ni Chuilin Sinn Fein
Mr Alban Maginness SDLP
Office Number/s 028 9072 028 9052 Cobain 9400 1853 028 9077 028 9074 Dodds 4774 4008 028 9074 028 9052 Kelly 0817 1174 028 9022 028 9052 Maginness 0520 1705 028 9071 028 9058 McCausland 7072 8386 028 9052 Ní Chulín 1471
Mr Fred Cobain UUP
Mr Nelson McCausland DUP
Address
Town
921 Crumlin Road
Belfast
39 Shore Road
Belfast
291 Antrim Road
Belfast
228 Antrim Road
Belfast
256 Ballysillan Road Parliament Buildings
Belfast
Postcode BT14 8AB BT15 3QB BT15 2GZ BT12 2AN BT14 6RB
Belfast
BT4 3XX
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Constituency - Belfast East
Mr Peter Robinson DUP
Title
First Name
Lord
Wallace
Sir
Reg
Mr
Chris
Mr
Robin
Ms
Dawn
Mr
Peter
Ms Naomi Long Alliance
Surname
Sir Reg Empey UUP
Office Number/s 028 9065 028 9052 Browne 7785 1819 028 9046 028 9052 Empey 3900 0394 028 9047 Lyttle 2004 028 9052 Newton 1873 028 9022 028 9052 Purvis 5040 1469 028 9052 Robinson 1873
Mr Wallace Browne DUP
Ms Dawn Purvis Independent
Mr Robin Newton DUP
Address
Town
Postcode
137Ͳ141 Holywood Road
Belfast
BT4 3BE
174 Albertbridge Road 56 Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT5 4LS
Belfast
BT4 3EL
13 Castlereagh Road
Belfast
Belfast
299 Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 1AG
96 Belmont Avenue
Belfast
BT4 3DE
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Constituency - North Down
Mr Alex Easton DUP
Mr Stephen Farry Alliance
Title
First Name
Mr
Leslie
Mr
Alex
Mr
Stephen
Mr
Alan
Mr
Peter
Mr
Brian
Surname
Mr Peter Weir DUP
Mr Leslie Cree UUP
Office Number/s 028 9147 Cree 0300 028 9188 028 9042 Easton 9620 1250 028 9185 07775 Farry 9475 687152 028 9147 McFarland 0300 028 9145 Weir 4500 028 9145 028 9052 Wilson 9110 1790
Mr Brian Wilson Green
Address 20 Hamilton Road 7 Bridge Street
Town
Mr Alan McFarland Independent
Postcode
Bangor
BT20 4LE BT21 Donaghadee 0AD
58 Abbey Street 20 Hamilton Road
Bangor
BT20 4JB
Bangor
BT20 4LE
94 Abbey Street
Bangor
BT20 4JB
76 Abbey Street
Bangor
BT20 4JB
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Constituency – Strangford
Mr Jonathan Bell DUP
Mr Jim Shannon DUP
Mr David McNarry UUP
Surname Bell
Mr Kieran McCarthy Alliance
Title Mr
First Name Jonathan
Mr
Simon
Mr
Kieran
Ms
Michelle
Mr
David
Office Number/s 028 9182 7701 028 9058 Hamilton 028 9187 0900 8364 028 9052 McCarthy 028 4273 9023 1542 028 9052 McIlveen 028 9187 1441 1557 028 9058 McNarry 028 9181 6458 8384
Mr
Jim
Shannon
028 9182 7990
Mr Simon Hamilton Ms Michelle McIlveen DUP DUP
Address 12 North Street 4 Bridge Street Link
Town Postcode Newtownards BT23 4DY
13 Court Street 1 Bridge Street Link
Newtownards BT23 7NX
9B Regent Street 34a Frances Street
Newtownards BT23 4AB
Comber
Comber
BT23 5YH
BT23 5YH
Newtownards BT23 7DN
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Constituency - South Down
Ms Caitriona Ruane Sinn Fein
Ms Margaret Ritchie SDLP
Mr Willie Clarke Sinn Fein
Mr PJ Bradley SDLP
First Title Name
Surname
Mr
PJ
Bradley
Mr
Wille
Clarke
Mr Ms Mrs
John Margaret Caitriona
McCallister Ritchie Ruane
Office Number/s 028 9052 028 4177 2228 0344 028 9052 028 4377 0185 1465 028 9058 028 4372 4400 8373 028 4461 6887 028 4175 4283
Mr
Jim
Wells
028 4176 9900
Mr Jim Wells DUP
Mr John McCallister UUP
Address
Town
Postcode
2 East Street
Warrenpoint
BT34 3JE
17 Circular Road
Castlewellan
BT31 9ED
19 Causeway Road Newcastle 5 Irish Street Downpatrick 3 Dock street Warrenpoint
BT33 0DL BT30 6BN BT34 3LZ BT34 4AD
12 Bridge Street
Kilkeel
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Constituency - Lagan Valley
Mr Paul Givan Mr Paul Butler DUP Sinn Fein
First Title Name
Surname
Mr
Paul
Butler
Mr
Jonathan Craig
Mr
Paul
Givan
Mr
Trevor
Lunn
Mr
Basil
McCrea
Mr
Edwin
Poots
Mr Basil McCrea UUP
Mr Trevor Lunn Alliance
Mr Jonathan Craig DUP
Mr Edwin Poots DUP
Office Number/s 028 9061 028 9052 1176 0370 028 9266 028 9269 8378 8866
Address Unit W2, Dairyfarm Centre, Stewartstown Road
Town
Postcode
Belfast
BT17 0AW
29 Castle Street
Lisburn
BT27 4DH
028 9267 1177 028 9269 3594 028 9260 3003
028 9052 0351 028 9052 1803
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
12A Whinney Hill
Lisburn
BT28 3UL
19 Market Square
Dromore
BT25 1AW
29 Castle Street
Lisburn
BT27 4DH
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Constituency - Belfast South
Mr Jimmy Spratt DUP
Title
First Name
Ms
Anna
Mr
Alex
Mr
Conall
Dr
Alasdair
Mr
Michael
Mr
Jimmy
Dr Alasdair McDonnell SDLP
Ms Anna Lo Alliance
Mr Alex Maskey Sinn Fein
Office Number/s Surname 028 9033 028 9052 Lo 0811 1560 028 9024 028 9052 Maskey 3194 1224 028 9068 McDevitt 3535 028 9024 028 9052 McDonnell 2474 0329 028 9024 McGimpsey 5801 028 9045 028 9052 Spratt 5936 0317
Mr Conall McDevitt SDLP
Mr Michael McGimpsey UUP
Address
Town
Postcode
88 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HE
178 Ormeau Road
Belfast
BT7 2ED
393 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7EW
120a Ormeau Road
Belfast
BT7 2EB
127Ͳ145 Sandy Row
Belfast
BT12 5ET
15 Cregagh Road
Belfast
BT6 8PX
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Constituency - Belfast West
Mr Gerry Adams Sinn Fein
Ms Sue Ramsey Sinn Fein
Mr Paul Maskey Sinn Fein
Title
First Name
Surname
Office Number/s
Mr
Gerry
Adams
028 9034 7350
Ms Jennifer McCann Sinn Fein
Mr Alex Attwood SDLP
Mr Fra McCann Sinn Fein
Address
Town
Postcode
028 9034 7350
53 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 4PD
Alex
028 9080 Attwood 7809
028 9052 0375
60 Andersonstown Road
Belfast
BT11 9AN
Mr
Paul
Maskey
028 9080 8405
028 9052 1706
147 Connolly House
Belfast
BT11 9BW
Mr
Fra
McCann
028 9050 8989
028 9052 0359
Sinn Fein Office, 51 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 4PD
Ms
Jennifer McCann
028 9061 1176
028 9052 0372
Unit W2 Dairy Farm, Stewartstown Road
Belfast
BT17 0AW
Ms
Sue
028 9080 8405
Connolly House, 147 Andersonstown Road
Belfast
BT11 9BW
Mr
Ramsey
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Constituency - Upper Bann
Mr John O'Dowd Sinn Fein
Title
First Name
Mr Sydney Anderson DUP
Surname
Mr
Sydney
Anderson
Mr
Sam
Gardiner
Mrs
Dolores
Kelly
Mr
Stephen
Moutray
Mr
John
O'Dowd
Mr
George
Savage
Ms Dolores Kelly SDLP
Mr Sam Gardiner UUP
Office Number/s 028 3831 0011 028 3832 2140 028 3831 0088 028 9052 1471 028 4066 9004
028 9058 8367 028 9058 8355
028 9052 1291
Mr Stephen Moutray DUP
Mr George Savage UUP
Address
Town
Postcode
Parliament Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3XX
58a High Street
Lurgan
BT66 8AU
7 William Street
Lurgan
50A High Street
Lurgan
77 North Street Parliament Buildings
Lurgan
BT66 6JA BT66 8AU BT67 9AH
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Page 26
Constituency - Newry & Armagh
Mr Conor Murphy Sinn Fein
Title
First Name
Mr
Cathal
Mr
Dominic
Mr
Mickey
Mr
William
Mr
Danny
Mr
Conor
Mr Cathal Boylan Sinn Fein
Surname
Mr Mickey Brady Sinn Fein
Mr Danny Kennedy UUP
Office Number/s 028 3751 028 9052 Boylan 1797 0378 028 3026 028 3752 Bradley 7933 6800 028 3026 028 9052 Brady 1693 1417 028 3887 028 9052 Irwin 0500 0313 028 3755 028 3884 Kennedy 2831 1166 028 9052 Murphy 1471
Mr William Irwin DUP
Mr Dominic Bradley SDLP
Address
Town
Postcode
1 Ogle Street
Armagh
BT61 7EN
2B Bridge Street
Newry
BT35 8AE
Sinn Fein Centre, 1 Kilmorey Terrace
Newry
BT35 8DW
53 Tullygarden Road
Richhill
BT61 8QT
107 Main Street
BT60 Markethill 1PH
Parliament Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Page 27
Constituency - Fermanagh & South Tyrone
Ms Arlene Foster DUP
Title Mr Mrs Mr Ms Mr Mr
First Name
Ms Michelle Gildernew Sinn Fein
Surname
Mr Tom Elliott UUP
Mr Tommy Gallagher SDLP
Office Number/s 028 6632 028 8772 Tom Elliott 2028 3265 028 6632 028 9058 Arlene Foster 0722 8366 028 6634 028 9052 Tommy Gallagher 2848 1702 028 8772 028 9052 Michelle Gildernew 2776 1627 028 9052 Gerry McHugh 1621 028 8775 028 9052 Maurice Morrow 2799 1296
Mr Gerry McHugh Independent
Mr Maurice Morrow DUP
Address
Town
1 Regal Pass
Enniskillen
Postcode BT74 7NT
32A New Street
Enniskillen
BT74 6AH
39 Darling Street Thomas Clarke House, 60 Irish Street
BT74 7DP BT70 Dungannon 1QD
7 Market Place
Enniskillen
BT74 7DS
19 Church Street
Dungannon
BT71 6PL
Enniskillen
Page 28
Constituency - Mid Ulster
Mr Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein
First Title Name Mr Mr Mr Mr Mr Ms
Mr Ian McCrea DUP
Surname
Mr Francie Molloy Sinn Fein
Office Number/s 028 8773 028 8674 Billy Armstrong 8641 8090 028 8676 Ian McCrea 4952 028 8675 028 9052 Patsy McGlone 8175 0347 028 8676 028 9052 Martin McGuinness 5850 1671 028 8774 028 9052 Francie Molloy 8689 1638 028 9052 Michelle O'Neill 1471
Ms Michelle O'Neill Sinn Fein
Mr Patsy McGlone SDLP
Mr Billy Armstrong UUP
Address
Town
Postcode
Prospect House, Coagh Road
Stewartstown
BT71 5JH
34 Fairhill Road
Cookstown
BT80 8AG
54A William Street
Cookstown
BT80 8NB
32 Burn Road
Cookstown
BT80 8DN
7-9 The Square
Coalisland
BT71 4LN
Parliament Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Page 29
Constituency - West Tyrone
Mr Barry McElduff Sinn Fein
First Title Name Mr
Allan
Mr
Thomas
Mr
Kieran
Mr
Pat
Mr
Barry
Ms
Claire
Mr Pat Doherty Sinn Fein
Surname
Ms Claire McGill Sinn Fein
Mr Thomas Buchanan DUP
Office Number/s 028 8166 Bresland 2392 028 9052 1335 028 8224 Buchanan 7702 028 9058 8368 028 8225 Deeny 8222 028 9052 0464 028 8225 Doherty 3040 028 9052 0465 028 8225 McElduff 3040 028 9052 1624 028 7188 McGill 6464 028 9058 8305
Mr Allan Bresland DUP
Address
Dr Kieran Deeny Independent Health Coalition
Town
51 Main Street
Postcode BT78 Newtownstewart 4AD
5 Dublin Road
Omagh
BT78 1ES
51 Market Street
Omagh
4Ͳ5 James Street
Omagh
4Ͳ5 James Street
Omagh
BT78 1EL BT78 1DH BT78 1DH
1 Melvyn Road
Strabane
BT82 9PP
Page 30
Constituency – Foyle
Mr William Hay DUP
Title Mrs Mrs Mr Mr Mr Mr
First Name
Mr Mark Durkan SDLP
Surname
Ms Martina Anderson Sinn Fein
Mr Raymond McCartney Sinn Fein
Office Number/s 028 7137 Martina Anderson 7551 028 7135 028 9058 Mary Bradley 5500 8353 028 7136 028 9052 Mark Durkan 0700 0462 028 7134 028 9052 William Hay 6271 1107 028 7137 028 9052 Raymond McCartney 7551 0322 028 7136 028 7134 Pat Ramsey 1444 7457
Ms Mary Bradley SDLP
Mr Pat Ramsey SDLP
Address Unit R3D, Rath Mór Business Park
Town Bligh's Lane
Postcode
68 Racecourse Road
BT48 8DS
23 Bishop Street
BT48 6PR
9 Ebrington Terrace Rath Mór Business Park
Waterside Bligh's Lane
BT47 1JS
1 Infirmary Road
BT48 7HE
BT48 0LZ
BT48 0LZ
Page 31
Constituency - East Londonderry
Mr Gregory Campbell Mr George Robinson DUP DUP
First Title Name
Surname
Mr
Gregory
Campbell
Mr
John
Dallat
Mr
Billy
Leonard
Mr
David
McClarty
Mr
Adrian
McQuillan
Mr
George
Robinson
Mr Billy Leonard Sinn Fein
Mr John Dallat SDLP
Mr David McClarty UUP
Mr Adrian McQuillan DUP
Office Number/s Address 028 7032 7327 028 9052 1106 25 Bushmills Road 028 2954 1880 028 9052 1354 11 Bridge Street
Town
Postcode
Coleraine
BT52 2BP
Kilrea
BT51 5RR
028 7032 7294 028 2955 8045 028 7776 9191
81 Main Street
Dungiven
BT47 4LE
028 7776 6864
36 Railway Road
Coleraine
BT52 1PE
028 9052 1850
7 Moneydig Park
Garvagh
BT51 5JP
6Ͳ8 Catherine Street Limavady
BT49 9DB
Page 32
Guide to a Successful Meeting with your MLA Attending the surgery of your MLA will be the most powerful way of making them aware of important campaigns, enabling pressing issues to be taken up in the Assembly much more efficiently. Most MLA’s hold surgeries where constituents can meet them face-to-face from 2 to 4 times a month. Sometimes notices of surgeries appear in local newspapers, but if not you can contact your MLA directly to book your appointment in advance. Five Steps to Success 1. Preparation is key Make a list of questions/topic areas that you want to discuss with your MLA. Go armed with facts and figures to support your argument. You should also take a notepad and pen to write down any important points for reference. 2. Be direct Introduce yourself and what you are there to discuss. State your concerns clearly, countering any opposing points that they may make. Do not become emotional – you will make a stronger argument by being calm and reasonable throughout. 3. Listen and respond constructively Once you have made your position, allow your MLA to present you with his/hers. Listen carefully for areas of agreement and disagreement, always be positive and try to ask questions that will probe their personal viewpoint rather than that of their party. 4. Be aware of time Stick to the issue and try not to get sidetracked into general debate - you will have a limited amount of time with him/her and it is important to make sure you get across all the points you wish to make. 5. At the end of the meeting and beyond… Thank them for the meeting, summarise your discussion and outline the steps they can take going forward. Let them know that they can contact you in the future to discuss the issue further. Follow up the meeting by writing a thank you letter, summarising your visit and any actions that your MLA has offered to take on your behalf. You could also contact them again to see what progress has been made. This will also help to keep the issue fresh in their mind.