'Make it Close' in Lagan Valley

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Nov 2004

ALLIANCE Councillor Seamus Close OBE MLA has been unanimously selected to fight both the next Westminster and local government elections as an Alliance Party candidate.

This will be Mr Close's ninth local government election, and he is confident of making it a straight nine wins, having been first elected in 1973 and successfully defending his seat ever since. He will be a candidate in the Lisburn South ward.

Mr Close said: "In fighting for the Lagan Valley Westminster Parliamentary constituency, I am confident that my record of service to my constituents will be rewarded and that the people will 'make it Close' in Lagan Valley.

"I am proud of the fact that these elections will be the 19th and 20th times in which, as a democrat, I have stood before the people for their verdict. Surely this is a record unsurpassed, not only in Lagan Valley, but much further afield for someone still in their 50s?"