The DUP today launched it's European Election Manifesto 2009. Party Euro candidate, Cllr Diane Dodds made the following statement:
"I want to take this opportunity to welcome you here this morning to the launch of the DUP European Election Manifesto 2009. At the outset I want to thank all of my colleagues – my friends, for their tireless efforts over the course of the last number of weeks. The DUP is in the business of working for votes in every part of Northern Ireland and I appreciate the mammoth effort that is being mobilised to ensure that Unionism remains the undisputed voice of Northern Ireland in the next European Parliament.
I am particularly pleased to be here in Belvoir, South Belfast. The DUP is committed to empowering communities such as those who live here and I am determined to assist local communities through a fairer level of funding from Europe. Community involvement and volunteering must be encouraged.
It is an honour to have travelled literally thousands of miles across our country as the Democratic Unionist candidate. What a privilege it is to be part of a strong, united and co-ordinated team that can provide genuine influence to deliver in Europe.
Our party has a proud record of service and delivery in Europe and I look forward to reclaiming and building on Dr Paisley’s legacy of 25 years of service and real achievement representing Ulster in Europe. His was a record worth talking about.
Our 40 page manifesto sets out our policies and agenda across a range of issues at home and in Europe. I am pledged to promote Northern Ireland in Brussels and be a full-time advocate who can influence the decision makers in both the Parliament and the Commission.
As a party we are unashamedly against the European federalist project and will be to the fore in opposing any further erosion of national sovereignty. My priority will be to work for the best outcomes for businesses, consumers, farmers and the beleaguered fishing community. I will work with all those who have the best interests of Northern Ireland at heart. It is time to make sure the opportunities for Northern Ireland are maximised at every opportunity.
This election is a defining moment. In seven days time the people will decide who will speak for them and who will represent them.
But more than that is at stake. The election outcome will determine whether Republicans will overtake us and become Ulster’s number one MEP in Europe. It will also determine whether we continue to chart a successful course for Northern Ireland controlling our own destiny or whether Unionism becomes weaker and marginalised.
For the first time in forty years there are stable political structures in place with the prospect of peace and prosperity. This is good for the people of Northern Ireland and good for unionism.
For a generation unionism was under siege. Now we are in a position of considerable strength again. Gone are the days of talking about a united Ireland. Even republicans blush at the notion of Irish unity in 2016. Let us build for the future recognising that 2021 is the 100th anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland. We must use the next 12 years to build Northern Ireland for the next 100 years.
Devolution is good for unionism and good for Northern Ireland. By standing and fighting our ground in Government unionists are winning.
Our strategy is working but on next Thursday it is vital that Unionism keeps on winning. Everyone knows only the DUP has the strength of character and the rugged determination to see off the electoral challenge posed by Sinn Fein.
On every previous occasion the DUP has topped the poll for unionism and a second unionist candidate has been elected with our second preference votes.
This time some may be tempted to stay at home and not vote, but this could prove disastrous to the cause of unionism.
If unionists stay at home on 4th June unionism will be damaged.
If unionists stay at home on 4th June there is a real danger that Sinn Fein will top the poll and two nationalist candidates will be elected from Northern Ireland.
Just imagine what message that would send out to the world.
After all the progress that has been made in recent years it would be a disaster for unionism.
But there is still time to avoid such an outcome. Our fate is in our own hands.
I want to keep the DUP first in Europe and to assist a second unionist to get elected.
Republicans are counting on unionists sitting at home or wasting their votes on candidates that cannot win.
Sinn Fein’s success is dependent on vote splitting by a candidate that wants to destroy devolution.
Let’s not play into their hands.
Consistently voters are telling me that it is this party that they are depending on to shape the future and keep our country on the right track. Let us leave here today determined to work for a victory that will maintain the DUP and unionism as Ulster’s premier voice in Europe."
