MURDERED PRISON OFFICER’S SON TO BE DUP CANDIDATE
FOSTER ‘DELIGHTED’ AS KYLE BLACK SET TO STAND IN MID ULSTER BUT AXED ARDS COUNCILLOR TOM SMITH LASHES OUT AT PARTY
THE son of a prison officer murdered by dissident republicans has been selected to stand for the DUP in May’s council elections.
Kyle Black will be the candidate for the Carntogher electoral area in the Mid Ulster district.
In November 2012, Mr Black’s father David was shot dead as he drove along the M1 to work at Maghaberry Prison.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for the murder.
Mr Black said his family has received a great deal of community support in recent years and he wanted to give back.
“I have obviously been shaped and moulded by my own background and circumstances, which will always be a massive part of who I am,” he said.
“I cannot change what has happened; however I will not let my circumstances totally define who I am as an individual.
“I feel that I now have a voice, which can be used in a positive way within the political arena. My family and I have received a great deal of public support in recent years and this has driven me to want to give back to the community.
“I’m determined to play my part in building a better future for everyone in our society.”
The DUP candidate has spoken out against terrorism, most recently in the wake of a car bomb in Londonderry last month. The New IRA also claimed responsibility for that attack.
Mr Black said he wanted to speak for those in the Mid Ulster Council area where the “unionist voice is in the minority”.
“Many people feel that republicans are very quick to demand respect from others but demonstrate no willingness to offer any such respect to the unionist community,” he added.
“I firmly believe in equality and respect, however this approach does not reflect the true meaning of these phrases. Equality and respect cannot be a oneway street.”
DUP leader Arlene Foster said she was “delighted” Mr Black will be contesting the election.
“As a young person Kyle has experienced some of the worst of our society but I have been hugely impressed with his determination to make a difference and desire to make a difference,” she added.
“In Mid Ulster, like all of Northern Ireland only the DUP has the strength to deliver.
“A strong team of DUP councillors can deliver the best services at the lowest possible cost to the ratepayer, can build better communities and strengthen the Union. I know that Kyle will play an invaluable role within that strong team in Mid Ulster.”
Last June, a man was acquitted of having a role in the murder of David Black.
Dungannon-based Damien McLaughlin had been accused of providing a car that was used in the murder of Mr Black.
However, the case against him collapsed and McLaughlin — who has a previous conviction for possession of firearms — walked away a free man.