Kennedy blames Co Armagh office closure on new MLA rules

A prominent UUP MLA has said new Assembly rules have left him with 'no other option' but to shut down one of his constituency offices this week.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th May 2016, 20:19 BST

Updated 17th May 2016, 21:40 BST

Danny Kennedy – who represents Newry and Armagh, a constituency of more than 100,000 residents spread across an area greater than 350 square miles – said his Tandragee advice centre will shut on Friday.

His Markethill office on Main Street will still be maintained.

He blamed the move on the Independent Financial Review Panel into Assembly Salaries and Expenses, which had determined that “only one constituency office for each individual member of the NI Assembly is now allowed”.

“I fully understand the disappointment and frustration of my constituents in the Tandragee area regarding the closure of this busy office,” he said. However, the new ruling had left him “with no other option”.

His Markethill office can be reached on (028)37 552831.