David McNarry MLA Standing up for Strangford...

Constituency

I have served as MLA for Strangford since 2003 and during that time I have endeavored to represent all constituents to the best of my ability and shall continue to do so in the future.  

Strangford encourages diverse community interests and encompasses a rich and valued cultural aspect of Ulster Scots.

Many of its towns and villages skirt Strangford Lough famous for its shell fish in this area of outstanding natural beauty.  Renowned for places of interest.  Scrabo Tower, Mount Stewart, Killyleagh Castle, Portavogie Harbor, Castle Espie, Whiterock and Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield are worth a visit.

Farm and fishing produce are major industries in Strangford. Local businesses also flourish Mash Direct, Willowbrook Foods to name but two.  Comber potatoes, Portavogie prawns, exceptional beef, lamb and pork and great fresh vegetables are always available especially in the local eating places of which there are many.

Strangford Lough Brewing Company is located in Killyleagh, County Down.  The beers are named after historical characters associated with the area. Viking King Magnus Barelegs has two beers named after him Barelegs Brew and Legbiter, the name of his sword. Three beers are named honour of St. Patrick, St Patrick's Gold, St Patrick's Best and St Patrick's Ale.  Although available locally the company is primarily focused on exporting to North America.

Retail therapy abounds not only in Newtownards Shopping Centre but in the towns many locally owned specialized shops.  Wardens are a name synonymous with quality household good, furniture and fine fabrics.

Visit many of the smaller towns, Portaferry, Saintfield, Comber where many niche family concerns offer a wide variety of shops and coffee outlets.

In many of these shops and in my own village of Ballygowan I can testify to the friendly welcome and good service of all the shops and their staff.

Sadly, the Dundonald and Carryduff areas currently in Strangford are moving to East Belfast and South Belfast respectively because of boundary changes.  However, the more rural areas of parts of South Down such as Crossgar, Kilmore, and Ballynahinch East are to be channeled into Strangford.

There is a wealth of history to be explored in the Strangford Constituency.  Churches supply a great insight into traditions past and present.

Above all Strangford is a great place to work in, live in and enjoy yourself.    

David McNarry