Alliance candidate's election count '˜distress' as baby denied entry

An Alliance Assembly candidate has said she was 'upset and distressed' after her baby was refused access to a count centre.
Fay Watson with son Charlie at the count after he was eventually granted entryFay Watson with son Charlie at the count after he was eventually granted entry
Fay Watson with son Charlie at the count after he was eventually granted entry

Fay Watson, who unsuccessfully contested the election in Mid Ulster, attended the Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena on Friday with her child Charlie, who she is breastfeeding.

But she was told she could not take her son inside, as children under 12 are not permitted to enter.

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She added: “I thought an exception could be made because I am breastfeeding my child and there’s no other way to feed him.

“I was told I could leave him in the canteen with someone, however, I obviously couldn’t do that. Therefore, I was left outside for half an hour with Charlie, which was upsetting and distressing.

“I’m grateful the situation was resolved but the incident raises both childcare and breastfeeding issues.”

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