DUP Launches NI Assembly Election Campaign

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has officially launched the party's NI Assembly election campaign with an event at Dundonald Omniplex.

Sir Jeffrey said that the "people will decide whether Northern Ireland's future is one focused on fixing our health system, tackling the cost of living crisis and replacing the Protocol or focused on a divisive Border Poll".

At the campaign launch, Sir Jeffrey said: "It is good to be on the campaign trail and to be in East Belfast this morning, where we have an excellent DUP MP in Gavin Robinson and two excellent Assembly candidates in Joanne Bunting and David Brooks.

"We all know Northern Ireland is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

"But it can be even better.

"We have a bright future to look forward to, because those who came before us believed in Northern Ireland and in the Union.

"Northern Ireland's strong place in the Union has created jobs, improved our standard of living and given us the NHS.

"Over the last five years, with the support of the people, the DUP has fought for and delivered more for health services, greater investment in infrastructure, more jobs and education.

"As we come out of COVID, and post Brexit there is much to be done to ensure, as a people, we come through stronger, more prosperous and more unified.

"In just 31 days' time Northern Ireland will go to the polls in what will be one of the most consequential elections in our history.

"The choice facing the people of Northern Ireland is clear.

"The people will decide whether Northern Ireland's future is one focused on fixing our health system, tackling the cost of living crisis and replacing the Protocol or focused on a divisive Border Poll.

"The DUP has a five-point plan to build a better future for Northern Ireland within the Union, by supporting and boosting our National Health Service, growing our economy and creating jobs, tackling the cost of living crisis, securing a better education system and negotiating the removal of the Irish Sea border.

"Sinn Fein are counting on unionists being divided and demoralised.

They know that's their only route to victory.

"But that's not the message I am hearing on the doorstep. Unionists know it's important to unite.

"We have done it before, and we can do it again."

Sir Jeffrey's full campaign launch address can be read on the DUP website.