DUP's Five-Point Plan To 'Build A Better Northern Ireland'

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said that his party's Five-Point Plan would "build a better Northern Ireland".

The plan includes support for a Windfall Tax on energy firms and support to develop NI's hydrogen hub.

Speaking at a business breakfast in Ballymena, Sir Jeffrey also criticised the government's decision to ban the use of red diesel for the construction and quarry sector saying it will not help the environment and will drive up costs for consumers

Sir Jeffrey said: "The election on May 5th is one of the most consequential in the history of Northern Ireland. My five-point plan is about moving Northern Ireland forward and focusing on what matters. Focusing on what we need to do to make Northern Ireland an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

"We will build on our strong record of growing the economy by making Northern Ireland a place attractive and ready for investors.

"As part of our five-point plan we are supporting calls for a Windfall Tax on energy firms and we want to make going green affordable to more homes in Northern Ireland. We want to see an Energy Support Payment to help hard-pressed families as well as more help with energy efficiency schemes for householders.

"Red Diesel for construction and heavy plant has had its rebate removed. This is a tax grab. It won't help the environment and the Government realise that there is no greener alternative available for our quarry and construction sectors. It will drive up costs for consumers whether it's their meats in refrigerated lorries or their homes being built.

"I am fully behind the exploration of hydrogen as a sustainable form of energy for vehicles. This can be transformative for our public transport as well as our heavy plant and haulage energy needs.

"Northern Ireland's hydrogen hub can establish us as world leaders in clean energy. We need to develop this new technology so it powers our transport whether we are in a jumbo jet, a John Deere tractor or a JCB digger."