Shannon storms to Strangford success

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While newly elected MPs across the UK chose to celebrate their win with the popping of champagne corks, the new Strangford MP Jim Shannon chose to mark the occasion with an Ulster favourite a bacon and egg soda!

The DUP's jubilant candidate was returned as the new MP shortly before 3 am last Friday morning, but as promised in his victory speech, he pulled the shutter up on his Frances Street office first thing on Friday morning for 'business as usual'.

Mr Shannon told the Chronicle this week of his joy and his hopes for the future in his new Westminster role, and expressed his thanks to the 14,926 constituents who voted him in.

"I owe thanks to so many people for putting me where I am today," he said. "In my speech on Friday morning I thanked party member Simpson Gibson for all he has done over the years, and I would again reiterate that. He has always been there to lend his advice never a 'yes' man, but someone who has always been both supportive and truthful.

"I really do thank almighty God for I know the Lord Jesus has made this happen in my life, and that is so important to me."

Mr Shannon also reflected on those he saw as key figures in his life, including his parents who still live just a few minutes away from his Peninsula home: "I was born in Omagh and moved to Ballywalter in 1959. We didnt have much growing up, but my parents always made sure I had what I needed. Most of all, they instilled in me a compassion for people and I hope that is what people can see in me. The most important thing to me now as an MP is how I can help my constituents."

Mr Shannon, who will fill the void left by former DUP MP Iris Robinson, told the Chronicle that he hopes his years as a councillor and MLA and the many local links and contacts he has made over his 25 years with Ards Borough Council, mean he will be able make real changes for the people of Strangford: "I look at this as an amazing opportunity to make real changes on the issues I have been dealing with for many many years. From issues such as roads to benefits, housing to employment I know what people need in this area and now I have the opportunity to go to Westminster and try and make the changes they want.

"Farming and fishing are obviously two big local issues, and I hope that I can now have an influence on issues affecting local people. I also want to see changes to the benefits system there are so many things that I hope to achieve."

Mr Shannon said he was very humbled by some of the people who approached him voicing their support on the run up to the election: "I feel very honoured to represent the people of Strangford. I know there were votes from everywhere from people from all different backgrounds and to them all I am grateful.

"I see an MP as someone who is part of a team and I am part of a very strong team here. I want to continue to work alongside the Council and the Assembly and keep my links with them, even when I stand down from my roles as councillor and MLA, and hear what they have to say on issues," he continued.

"I have been 25 years as an Ards Borough Councillor and when I stand down later this year, I have to say I will dearly miss it. I have also been an MLA for 12 years thats when I first opened my advice centre in Killyleagh. But standing down in my former roles does not mean I will be cutting my ties with the local community, rather I want to strengthen them. I want to see another centre opened in Ballynahinch too the whole thing is about constituency work."

Mr Shannon, who told Friday mornings media at the election count that no job is too small for Shannon added: Its all about making things happen changing lives, accessibility. This is an opportunity for me to do more. People know they can walk into my office and ask for help or ring my mobile and I will talk to them. That will not change my mobile number is available to all and it will remain so. If I am not available, leave me a message and I will call you back. I will not be distancing myself from people just because I am an MP.

Turning his attention to the current economic slump Mr Shannon commented: "We are in a new era. I have a vision of the future, one which I believe I share with those who voted for me. I want to see more jobs for our young people, and I will be exploring areas such as tourism and the agri-business sectors where I believe the job opportunities may lie.

"There has been a lot of talk about cuts in public sector jobs, but I have already said that I will oppose this. I know how many local people are employed in the public sector and how many people depend on those jobs to pay their mortgage. I want to see the retention of their jobs and an increase in private sector jobs."

Mr Shannon paid special tribute to his wife Sandra, his three sons, daughter-in-law and one year old granddaughter: "I have to say how much I am indebted to their support. Sandra and I will be married 23 years in June and she has always been very, very supportive and understanding. It hasn't been easy at times. We had three boys in just five years and she has always been very patient. The boys too, and my daughter-in-law and grand-daughter Katy-Lee have all been wonderful and I am very thankful for them all."

He concluded: "This is not just a victory for the people who voted for the DUP or who voted for Jim Shannon. This is a victory for everyone in Strangford. Everyone is welcome at my door unionist, nationalist whoever they are, no one will be treated any differently."

The Chronicle caught up with Mr Shannon yesterday morning (Wednesday) following the announcement of David Cameron as the new Prime Minster. Appropriately Mr Shannon was speaking from inside the chambers at Westminster where he and over 100 other newly elected MPs were undergoing an orienteering process: I feel like its first day at school, a new term, he quipped. I am sitting here on one of the green benches inside Westminster, learning how to govern, a place I never thought I would be sitting .

As regards David Cameron, we look forward to working with this new government to do whatever is best for the people of Northern Ireland and Strangford. I want to see more jobs in Strangford, I want to see the private sector built up. I think we have been neglected in Strangford and that must be addressed.

Full election report in this week's Chronicle.