Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Strangford Iris Robinson quickly set about redressing the years of UUP neglect of the constituency. It is extremely important for an MP to be seen and heard not only at Westminster, but equally important, to be in the constituency itself meeting, speaking and acting on behalf of constituents. The UUP's exceedingly poor performance in respect of caring for the constituency played no small part in the electorate's decision to give them their marching orders.

Iris Robinson has a very different attitude and work-ethic. She sees her role as an extremely privileged one and seeks day and daily to better the lives and living conditions of all her constituents. Iris Robinson's constituency service is second to none and is available all year round..not just at election time! The full-time constituency advice centre in James Street in Newtownards is manned by 5 fully trained and professional staff who assist Iris with her massive work load. Added to this service Iris holds satellite surgeries in 3 key areas of the constituency on the first 3 Saturdays of the month - Portavogie Orange Hall, Killyleagh Bridge Centre & Saintfield Orange Hall. Iris is well known for her total and absolute commitment to her constituents. She makes herself available day and night and is well respected for her championing of her constituents' causes. In the 4 years Iris has been elected to Westminster not only has she met, spoke and acted on behalf of thousands of her constituents in all types of problems but she also has worked tirelessly at Westminster probing Direct Rule Ministers for the way they have acted in Northern Ireland. Iris has questioned more Ministers than any other MP - not just from Northern Ireland - she comes 2nd out of all 659 MPs in this last parliamentary term. Whether it is at home, in Parliament or further afield, Iris Robinson is widely recognised and respected for her advocacy of this great constituency.

Iris has made a greater impact at Westminster than her predecessor while she, at the same time, has reversed the constituency's neglect. It is vital that Strangford keeps in place one of its most respected and widely recognised advocates.