Debbie Coyle to fight Enniskillen by-election

Michelle Gildernew and Debbie Coyle at the Enniskillen selection convention

 AT a packed selection convention in the Clinton Centre in Enniskillen, 46-year old Debbie Coyle was nominated to fight the local government by-election forced by the refusal of Ulster Unionists to allow the DUP a co-option after the death of Nigel Dodds’s father.
Other confirmed candidates include DUP Enterprise Trade and Investment Minster Arlene Foster and former UUP Councillor Basil Johnston.
Debbie Coyle has been a member of Sinn Féin for nearly three years and works in the party’s advice centre in Enniskillen. She is a mother of seven and grandmother of two who was born in London but has been living in Cavanaleck, Enniskillen, for the past 12 years.
She is employed in Enniskillen as a care assistant. She worked for three years as a volunteer with Cavanaleck Community Association, mainly with local young people and progressed to paid employment with the Fermanagh Citizens Advice Bureau. She also does voluntary work with Fermanagh Women’s Aid, supporting victims of domestic violence.
After her selection, Debbie said:
“Those who know me will know that I have made my life in Enniskillen with my young family and how greatly I value what Enniskillen has given to me. And I say this, not lightly, I want to give back to the people of Enniskillen what they have given to me.
“I am proud to be part of that hard working team and proud to be part of the Sinn Féin fightback here in Enniskillen and across Fermanagh. This fightback is based on partnership with the local community.
“With hard work I believe that we can achieve great things here in Enniskillen.”