UUP Launches Election Manifesto

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt has launched the party's election manifesto and said voters are being given the choice of "change of more of the same".

Mr Nesbitt said: "Change, renewal, rotation. These are the natural rhythms of politics, just as in life.

"The Ulster Unionist Party is refreshed. It has taken time, but we have rebuilt ourselves and we enter these elections ready and eager to lead again.

"That is why this is such an important and exciting election. For once, real change is a possibility.

"The change we offer is from a party whose credo is to put the country first – Country First, Party Second, Individual Third. Having lived through the era of Ian Paisley's party, we do not want to return to the cult of the individual. People are central to our vision of delivery, and today, and with huge pride, I will shortly formally announce our candidates for the 2016 Assembly Elections. There are 33 in all, and a stunning 24 are first-time contenders for a seat at Stormont. Some come with previous experience of elected politics, all offer life skills and experiences badly needed in our devolved institutions.

"Devolution made three big promises: Mutual respect; Better times economically, through a Peace Dividend; Better politics than Direct Rule.

"I do not think you will find many who think the last nine years of DUP/Sinn Fein rule have advanced any of those aims, especially the last. Stormont has never rated lower in the public's estimation."

Mr Nesbitt said to celebrate the Centenary, the party is making two proposals.

He continued: "First, each of the six counties of Northern Ireland to have a new, environmentally-friendly facility – forest park, community centre, whatever people want locally, and we think our young people should have the loudest voice in that choice.

"Our idea is the People Park, a celebration of our people: the great sportsmen and women, the inventors, the engineers, the artists and musicians, the thinkers, the do-ers, the generals and the Presidents.

"Before you ask, it is not a costed proposal, because the costs will depend on two factors as yet unknown – the design, and the level of private sponsorship we can attract. The objective would be minimal demand on the public purse."

(CD/LM)