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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Brendan Hughes

UUP's Doug Beattie facing ballot paper confusion due to election candidate with same surname

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie is facing the challenge of voter confusion in his constituency - because another Stormont election candidate has the same surname.

Glenn Beattie is also standing for election in May in the Upper Bann constituency, representing the socially conservative Heritage Party.

And in what may cause further head-scratching for voters, the UUP leader is contesting the constituency with a running mate whose first name is Glenn.

It could lead to problems for Doug Beattie as his name on the ballot paper will be sandwiched between his party colleague Glenn Barr and the second candidate named Beattie.

Glenn Beattie, who is the only candidate running for the Heritage Party in the election, denied this was a deliberate tactic to derail the other Beattie's re-election campaign.

"No, this is not a tactic but a start to a new party here that is UK-wide and hope to grow over the next few years," he said.

"I have the same surname as Doug Beattie but we do not have any family connection or political connections."

The Heritage Party, which was formed in 2020, is also fielding candidates for council elections in England and Wales in May.

Its policies include opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, and opposing more severe sentences for hate crimes compared to other offences.

Glenn and the Heritage Party's Northern Ireland branch have previously shared online details of anti-abortion demonstrations involving US pastor Rusty Thomas.

Mr Thomas, who addressed an anti-Protocol rally in Lurgan on Friday, has since faced criticism for past remarks such as claiming feminism brings a "curse of God upon your nation".

Glenn said: "My connection to Rusty Thomas is about the issue of abortion in the country and we agree with his stance on this issue.

"Rusty Thomas opened in prayer on Friday night and that was the level of his involvement at this procession."

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, TUV leader Jim Allister and loyalist activist Jamie Bryson also spoke at the protest last week against post-Brexit trade arrangements.

The demonstration has since faced criticism after a poster of Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie was displayed with a noose around his neck.

Sir Jeffrey and Mr Allister removed the poster and condemned the display, which came after Mr Beattie withdrew from the rallies over claims they are being used to raise tensions.

There is no suggestion the organisers of Friday's protest are connected to the Mr Beattie poster.

Read more: US pastor at anti-Protocol rally previously claimed feminism brings 'curse of God'

Read more: Listen: Stormont election candidate's bizarre voicemail to voter after posters complaint

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