FIVE first-time Assembly election candidates are to put their bona fides on the line next month at a unique 'elevator pitch' being promoted by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA).
Assembly candidates Cllr Carla Lockhart (DUP), Cllr Linda Dillion (Sinn Fein), Cllr Carl McClean (UUP), Cllr Nicola Mallon (SDLP) and Cllr Nuala McAllister (Alliance) will all give a three-minute pitch on their party economic policy to a business audience on Thursday March 10 at a working lunch at the Europa Hotel.
NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “Up to 40 per cent of the next Assembly could be new faces and it is clear a generational shift is taking place with our local political parties. It is vital that the business community engages with these new political leaders and influences their policy priorities”
“Our elevator pitch event is designed to give new first time candidates an opportunity to sell their economic policies to an audience of local business owners.
“NIIRTA has already published a detailed 97 point plan for each of the new nine departments and is keen to engage with candidates from all parties."
He added: “If any local business owner wishes to attend our event, email policy@niirta.com.”
