THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH IS POLLING DAY IN THE UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND.
This week’s vote is of vital importance to the future of Northern Ireland where I have lived for 41 years.
But in one sense, those of us in Northern Ireland can only vote for the side show parties, in the sense that we cannot really vote Conservative or Labour – from where the next prime minister will come from.
My dad was a trade unionist and by nature I am Old Labour – not a Blairite New Labour.
In a million years I would never vote Conservative. Nor could I ever vote for Boris Johnson. He is a liar and a show man with a private agenda for himself and his rich pals.
While Corbyn comes from the left of Labour, my natural home, I do not trust him either. He is just too extreme.
But if it came to the bit I would have Corbyn before Boris.
Since I came to Northern Ireland in 1978 I have always voted Sinn Fein – not because I supported the Armed Struggle but as a protest vote against the corrupt establishment and widespread discrimination.
I have never liked the SDLP who I regard as the political wing of the Roman Catholic Church.
Alliance don’t do it for me.
I am certainly not a Unionist – but I live in East Antrim which will return a Unionist MP always.
So this year I have decided to forget Brexit etc and vote for my local MP who has given me sterling help as my constituency MP.
His name is Sammy Wilson.
On three occasions in the past seven years I have been faced with insurmountable challenges to do with establishment issues.
On all occasions I went to Sammy.
And, on all occasions, he worked hard for me and sorted my issues.
Of course Sammy and I do not agree on many issues – same sex civil marriage being one big area.
However, when you live somewhere where your vote cannot really effect national or even regional change, you do the next best thing – vote for an MP who has a record of being an excellent constituency MP and who has been there for you when you needed them.
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 