threats facing country sports in northern ireland
DESCRIPTION
Brief on the Threats facing Country Sports in Northern IrelandTRANSCRIPT
The Threats Facing Country Sports and the Rural Way of Lifein Northern Ireland
Brief prepared
By
Countryside Alliance Ireland
Countryside Alliance IrelandThe CourtyardLarchfield EstateLisburnBT27 6XJ
Tel: 028 9263 9911
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
Page 2
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FACT - Earlier, so called “scientific evidence” to this effect has been superseded by veterinary opinion that traditional quarry species are hunted in nature, do not suffer undue stress due to pursuit, and lack the complex brain and mental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.
Page 3
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.
Page 4
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: Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill Tabling of amendment 23 Permanent protection of the Irish Hare Use of snares
Welfare of Animals Bill Protected animals Tail docking Hunting, coursing and fishing – clause 53
Dogs (Amendment) Bill Microchipping
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill Power to make dog control orders
Other threats:
Green Party – proposed legislation to ban hunting with dogs Complacency
Page 5
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.
Page 6
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 -
Page 7
(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.
Page 8
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;
Page 9
(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.
Page 10
(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
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 cross-community 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 socio-economic 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.
Page 11
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.
Page 12
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]
Page 13
Constituency - North Antrim
Rev Dr Ian PaisleyDUP
Mr Daithi McKaySinn Fein
Mr Paul Frew DUP
Rev Robert CoulterUUP
Mr Mervyn StoreyDUP
Mr Declan O LoanSDLP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Post Code
Mr Robert Coulter028 25685694
028 90521246 18 Springmount Road Clough BT44 9QQ
Mr Paul Frew Parliament Buildings Belfast BT4 3XX
Mr Daithi McKay07761942138
028 90520385
162 Bóthar naTullachain Dun Lathaí BT44 9AF
Mr Declan O'Loan028 25656841
07764220533 64 William Street Ballymena BT43 6AW
Lord Paisley of Bannside028 25641421 9 11 Church Street Belfast BT43 6DD
Mr Mervyn Storey028 90521873 3 Market Street Ballymoney BT53 6EA
Page 14
Constituency - East Antrim
Mr Sammy WilsonDUP
Mr Alastair RossDUP
Mr David HilditchDUP
Mr Sean NeesonAlliance
Mr Roy BeggsUUP
Mr Ken RobinsonUUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Roy Beggs028 28273258
028 93362995 3 St Bride Street Carrickfergus BT38 78AF
Mr David Hilditch028 93329980
028 90521115
31 LancasterianStreet Carrickfergus BT38 7AB
Mr Sean Neeson028 93350286
028 90521711 44 Milebush Park Carrickfergus BT38 7QR
Mr Ken Robinson028 90862217
Unit 4, Metro Park,Monkstown Newtownabbey BT37 0ZR
Mr Alastair Ross028 93329980
31 LancasterianStreet Carrickfergus BT38 7AB
Mr Sammy Wilson028 28267722 116 Main Street Larne BT40 1RG
Page 15
Constituency - South Antrim
Mr Mitchel McLaughlinSinn Fein
Paul Girvan DUP
Mr David FordAlliance
Mr Danny Kinahan UUP
Mr Trevor ClarkeDUP
Mr Thomas BurnsSDLP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Thomas Burns028 94453807
028 90588354 17 Main Street Crumlin BT29 4UP
Mr Trevor Clarke028 94463273
028 90521191 1 Lough Road Antrim BT41 4DG
Mr David Ford028 90840930
028 90521314
Unit 2, 21ACarnmoney Road Newtownabbey BT36 6HL
Mr Danny Kinahan028 94433480 Castle Upton Ballyclare BT39 OAH
Mr Paul Girvan 27 Church Road Ballyclare BT39 9UF
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin028 90521612
Unit One, 2 MainStreet Randalstown BT41 3AB
Page 16
Constituency - Belfast North
Mr Nigel DoddsDUP
Mr Gerry KellySinn Fein
Ms Caral Ni ChuilinSinn Fein
Mr Alban MaginnessSDLP
Mr Fred CobainUUP
Mr Nelson McCausland
DUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Fred Cobain028 90729400
028 90521853 921 Crumlin Road Belfast
BT148AB
Mr Nigel Dodds028 90774774
028 90744008 39 Shore Road Belfast
BT153QB
Mr Gerry Kelly028 90740817
028 90521174 291 Antrim Road Belfast
BT152GZ
Mr Alban Maginness028 90220520
028 90521705 228 Antrim Road Belfast
BT122AN
Mr Nelson McCausland028 90717072
028 90588386 256 Ballysillan Road Belfast
BT146RB
Ms Carál Ní Chulín028 90521471
ParliamentBuildings Belfast BT4 3XX
Page 17
Constituency - Belfast East
Mr Peter RobinsonDUP
Ms Naomi LongAlliance
Sir Reg EmpeyUUP
Mr Wallace BrowneDUP
Ms Dawn PurvisIndependent
Mr Robin NewtonDUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Lord Wallace Browne028 90657785
028 90521819 137 141 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 3BE
Sir Reg Empey028 90463900
028 90520394 174 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4LS
Mr Chris Lyttle028 90472004
56 Upper NewtownardsRoad Belfast BT4 3EL
Mr Robin Newton028 90521873 13 Castlereagh Road Belfast Belfast
Ms Dawn Purvis028 90225040
028 90521469 299 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1AG
Mr Peter Robinson028 90521873 96 Belmont Avenue Belfast BT4 3DE
Page 18
Constituency - North Down
Mr Alex EastonDUP
Mr Stephen FarryAlliance
Mr Peter WeirDUP
Mr Leslie CreeUUP
Mr Brian WilsonGreen
Mr Alan McFarlandIndependent
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Leslie Cree028 91470300
20 HamiltonRoad Bangor BT20 4LE
Mr Alex Easton028 91889620
028 90421250 7 Bridge Street Donaghadee
BT210AD
Mr Stephen Farry028 91859475
07775687152 58 Abbey Street Bangor BT20 4JB
Mr Alan McFarland028 91470300
20 HamiltonRoad Bangor BT20 4LE
Mr Peter Weir028 91454500 94 Abbey Street Bangor BT20 4JB
Mr Brian Wilson028 91459110
028 90521790 76 Abbey Street Bangor BT20 4JB
Page 19
Constituency – Strangford
Mr Jonathan Bell DUP
Mr Jim ShannonDUP
Mr David McNarryUUP
Mr Kieran McCarthyAlliance
Mr Simon HamiltonDUP
Ms Michelle McIlveenDUP
Title First Name Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Jonathan Bell 028 9182 7701 12 North Street Newtownards BT23 4DY
Mr Simon Hamilton 028 9187 0900028 90588364
4 Bridge StreetLink Comber BT23 5YH
Mr Kieran McCarthy 028 4273 9023028 90521542 13 Court Street Newtownards BT23 7NX
Ms Michelle McIlveen 028 9187 1441028 90521557
1 Bridge StreetLink Comber BT23 5YH
Mr David McNarry 028 9181 6458028 90588384 9B Regent Street Newtownards BT23 4AB
Mr Jim Shannon 028 9182 799034a FrancesStreet Newtownards BT23 7DN
Page 20
Constituency - South Down
Ms Caitriona RuaneSinn Fein
Ms Margaret RitchieSDLP
Mr Willie ClarkeSinn Fein
Mr PJ BradleySDLP
Mr Jim WellsDUP
Mr John McCallisterUUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr PJ Bradley 028 4177 2228028 90520344 2 East Street Warrenpoint BT34 3JE
Mr Wille Clarke 028 4377 0185028 90521465 17 Circular Road Castlewellan BT31 9ED
Mr John McCallister 028 4372 4400028 90588373 19 Causeway Road Newcastle BT33 0DL
Ms Margaret Ritchie 028 4461 6887 5 Irish Street Downpatrick BT30 6BN
Mrs Caitriona Ruane 028 4175 4283 3 Dock street Warrenpoint BT34 3LZ
Mr Jim Wells 028 4176 9900 12 Bridge Street KilkeelBT344AD
Page 21
Constituency - Lagan Valley
Mr Paul Givan DUP
Mr Paul ButlerSinn Fein
Mr Basil McCreaUUP
Mr Trevor LunnAlliance
Mr Jonathan CraigDUP
Mr Edwin PootsDUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Paul Butler028 90611176
028 90520370
Unit W2, Dairyfarm Centre,Stewartstown Road Belfast BT17 0AW
Mr Jonathan Craig028 92668378
028 92698866 29 Castle Street Lisburn BT27 4DH
Mr Paul Givan Stormont Belfast BT4 3XX
Mr Trevor Lunn028 92671177
028 90520351 12A Whinney Hill Lisburn BT28 3UL
Mr Basil McCrea028 92693594
028 90521803 19 Market Square Dromore BT25 1AW
Mr Edwin Poots028 92603003 29 Castle Street Lisburn BT27 4DH
Page 22
Constituency - Belfast South
Mr Jimmy SprattDUP
Dr Alasdair McDonnell
SDLP
Ms Anna LoAlliance
Mr Alex MaskeySinn Fein
Mr Conall McDevittSDLP
Mr Michael McGimpsey
UUP
TitleFirstName Surname
Office Number/sAddress Town Postcode
Ms Anna Lo028 90330811
028 90521560 88 University Street Belfast BT7 1HE
Mr Alex Maskey028 90243194
028 90521224 178 Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 2ED
Mr Conall McDevitt028 90683535 393 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7EW
Dr Alasdair McDonnell028 90242474
028 90520329 120a Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 2EB
Mr Michael McGimpsey028 90245801 127 145 Sandy Row Belfast BT12 5ET
Mr Jimmy Spratt028 90455936
028 90520317 15 Cregagh Road Belfast BT6 8PX
Page 23
Constituency - Belfast West
Mr Gerry AdamsSinn Fein
Ms Sue RamseySinn Fein
Mr Paul MaskeySinn Fein
Ms Jennifer McCannSinn Fein
Mr Alex AttwoodSDLP
Mr Fra McCannSinn Fein
TitleFirstName Surname
Office Number/sAddress Town Postcode
Mr Gerry Adams028 90347350
028 9034 7350 53 Falls Road Belfast
BT124PD
Mr Alex Attwood028 90807809
028 90520375 60 Andersonstown Road Belfast
BT119AN
Mr Paul Maskey028 90808405
028 90521706 147 Connolly House Belfast
BT119BW
Mr Fra McCann028 90508989
028 90520359 Sinn Fein Office, 51 Falls Road Belfast
BT124PD
Ms Jennifer McCann028 90611176
028 90520372
Unit W2 Dairy Farm, Stewartstown Road Belfast
BT170AW
Ms Sue Ramsey028 90808405
Connolly House, 147Andersonstown Road Belfast
BT119BW
Page 24
Constituency - Upper Bann
Mr John O'DowdSinn Fein
Mr Sydney Anderson
DUP
Ms Dolores KellySDLP
Mr Sam GardinerUUP
Mr Stephen Moutray
DUP
Mr George Savage
UUP
TitleFirstName Surname
Office Number/sAddress Town Postcode
Mr Sydney Anderson ParliamentBuildings Belfast BT4 3XX
Mr Sam Gardiner028 3831
0011028 9058
8367 58a High Street LurganBT668AU
Mrs Dolores Kelly028 3832
2140028 9058
8355 7 William Street Lurgan BT66 6JA
Mr Stephen Moutray028 3831
0088 50A High Street LurganBT668AU
Mr John O'Dowd028 9052
1471 77 North Street LurganBT679AH
Mr George Savage028 4066
9004028 9052
1291 ParliamentBuildings Belfast BT4 3XX
Page 25
Constituency - Newry & Armagh
Mr Conor MurphySinn Fein
Mr Cathal BoylanSinn Fein
Mr Mickey BradySinn Fein
Mr Danny KennedyUUP
Mr William IrwinDUP
Mr Dominic BradleySDLP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Cathal Boylan028 37511797
028 90520378 1 Ogle Street Armagh
BT617EN
Mr Dominic Bradley028 30267933
028 37526800 2B Bridge Street Newry
BT358AE
Mr Mickey Brady028 30261693
028 90521417
Sinn Fein Centre, 1 Kilmorey Terrace Newry
BT358DW
Mr William Irwin028 38870500
028 90520313 53 Tullygarden Road Richhill
BT618QT
Mr Danny Kennedy028 37552831
028 38841166 107 Main Street Markethill
BT601PH
Mr Conor Murphy028 90521471 Parliament Buildings Belfast BT4 3XX
Page 26
Constituency - Fermanagh & South Tyrone
Ms Arlene FosterDUP
Ms Michelle GildernewSinn Fein
Mr Tom ElliottUUP
Mr Tommy GallagherSDLP
Mr Gerry McHughIndependent
Mr Maurice MorrowDUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Tom Elliott028 66322028
028 87723265 1 Regal Pass Enniskillen
BT747NT
Mrs Arlene Foster028 66320722
028 90588366 32A New Street Enniskillen BT74 6AH
Mr Tommy Gallagher028 66342848
028 90521702 39 Darling Street Enniskillen
BT747DP
Ms Michelle Gildernew028 87722776
028 90521627
Thomas Clarke House, 60Irish Street Dungannon
BT701QD
Mr Gerry McHugh028 90521621 7 Market Place Enniskillen BT74 7DS
Mr Maurice Morrow028 87752799
028 90521296 19 Church Street Dungannon BT71 6PL
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Constituency - Mid Ulster
Mr Martin McGuinnessSinn Fein
Mr Ian McCreaDUP
Mr Francie MolloySinn Fein
Ms Michelle O'NeillSinn Fein
Mr Patsy McGloneSDLP
Mr Billy ArmstrongUUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Billy Armstrong028 87738641
028 8674 8090
Prospect House, Coagh Road Stewartstown
BT715JH
Mr Ian McCrea028 86764952 34 Fairhill Road Cookstown
BT808AG
Mr Patsy McGlone028 86758175
028 90520347 54A William Street Cookstown
BT808NB
Mr Martin McGuinness028 86765850
028 90521671 32 Burn Road Cookstown
BT808DN
Mr Francie Molloy028 87748689
028 90521638 7-9 The Square Coalisland
BT714LN
Ms Michelle O'Neill028 90521471 Parliament Buildings Belfast BT4 3XX
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Constituency - West Tyrone
Mr Barry McElduffSinn Fein
Mr Pat DohertySinn Fein
Ms Claire McGillSinn Fein
Mr Thomas Buchanan
DUP
Mr Allan BreslandDUP
Dr Kieran DeenyIndependent Health
Coalition
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Allan Bresland028 81662392 028 9052 1335 51 Main Street Newtownstewart
BT784AD
Mr Thomas Buchanan028 82247702 028 9058 8368 5 Dublin Road Omagh BT78 1ES
Mr Kieran Deeny028 82258222 028 9052 0464 51 Market Street Omagh BT78 1EL
Mr Pat Doherty028 82253040 028 9052 0465 4 5 James Street Omagh
BT781DH
Mr Barry McElduff028 82253040 028 9052 1624 4 5 James Street Omagh
BT781DH
Ms Claire McGill028 71886464 028 9058 8305 1 Melvyn Road Strabane BT82 9PP
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Constituency – Foyle
Mr William HayDUP
Mr Mark DurkanSDLP
Ms Martina AndersonSinn Fein
Mr Raymond McCartneySinn Fein
Mr Pat RamseySDLP
Ms Mary BradleySDLP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mrs Martina Anderson028 71377551
Unit R3D, Rath MórBusiness Park
Bligh'sLane BT48 0LZ
Mrs Mary Bradley028 71355500
028 90588353 68 Racecourse Road BT48 8DS
Mr Mark Durkan028 71360700
028 90520462 23 Bishop Street BT48 6PR
Mr William Hay028 71346271
028 90521107 9 Ebrington Terrace Waterside BT47 1JS
Mr Raymond McCartney028 71377551
028 90520322
Rath Mór BusinessPark
Bligh'sLane BT48 0LZ
Mr Pat Ramsey028 71361444
028 71347457 1 Infirmary Road BT48 7HE
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Constituency - East Londonderry
Mr Gregory CampbellDUP
Mr George RobinsonDUP
Mr Billy LeonardSinn Fein
Mr John DallatSDLP
Mr David McClartyUUP
Mr Adrian McQuillanDUP
TitleFirstName Surname Office Number/s Address Town Postcode
Mr Gregory Campbell028 70327327 028 9052 1106 25 Bushmills Road Coleraine BT52 2BP
Mr John Dallat028 29541880 028 9052 1354 11 Bridge Street Kilrea BT51 5RR
Mr Billy Leonard 81 Main Street Dungiven BT47 4LE
Mr David McClarty028 70327294 028 7776 6864 36 Railway Road Coleraine BT52 1PE
Mr Adrian McQuillan028 29558045 028 9052 1850 7 Moneydig Park Garvagh BT51 5JP
Mr George Robinson028 77769191 6 8 Catherine Street Limavady BT49 9DB
Page 31
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 keyMake 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 directIntroduce 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 constructivelyOnce 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 askquestions that will probe their personal viewpoint rather than that of their party.
4. Be aware of timeStick 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.
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