Armstrong - UUP values priorities of Mid-Ulster People
Billy Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Candidate in the forthcoming NI Assembly Election and Mid-Ulster’s MLA for almost nine years has assured the people of Mid-Ulster that the Ulster Unionist Party values their priorities.
“The Ulster Unionist Party values the needs of the people of Mid-Ulster. We have strong roots in Mid-Ulster and across the whole of the west of Northern Ireland and realise that, in the past, the West has been poorly served in terms of infrastructure, transport links, and economic opportunity.
“Continued direct rule would hurt the economic and social future of the west of Northern Ireland.
“Sir Reg Empey visited Mid-Ulster yesterday in support of the Ulster Unionist campaign in Mid-Ulster and met with a number of local business people, members of community groups as well as local members and supporters of the Ulster Unionist Party. Numerous issues were raised that directly affect the people of Mid-Ulster and they were assured that the Ulster Unionist Party would continue to represent their concerns.
“Furthermore, in an effort to assure members, supporters and all communities West of the Bann that the Ulster Unionist Party is committed to their needs and are listening to their views we published (last Friday) a Manifesto for the West.
To promote quality public services, economic opportunity, and strong and fair communities in the West I, and the Ulster Unionist Party are committed to:
· Recognising the educational and social benefits of small schools and opposes any hasty implementation of the Bain Report
· Securing accessible health care and advice for families throughout the West of the province – extending NHS Direct to Northern Ireland, and rolling out midwife-led maternity units
· A balanced rural planning policy – protecting the countryside from random development while allowing for sustainable development of rural communities.
· Supporting the Rural Transport Fund and ensuring that the west is fully integrated into Northern Ireland’s public transport network
· Realising the potential of the tourism potential in this constituency marketing the Sperrins as a premier tourist location.
· Supporting the Everybody Online initiative to increase internet usage and access in the West – overcoming the digital divide for the benefit of communities and businesses.
· Encouraging local government, communities and businesses to prepare to work in partnership with the Executive to strategically invest an economic package, improving the infrastructure and competitiveness of Northern Ireland plc
· A NI Renewable Energy Plan – stimulating environmental businesses and providing new economic opportunity for rural enterprises.
· A Sustainable Rural Communities White Paper – developing an agenda for the Executive to support the rural way of life.
· Implementation of the Report of the Interim Victim’s Commissioner – ensuring that the needs of victims are met and their voices heard.
“The Review of Public Administration proposal of 7 council areas would isolate the West from the rest of Northern Ireland, and remove local government from our local communities
“The Ulster Unionist Party has voiced their confidence in the location of the new Police College at Desertcreat noting the huge boost it will bring to the area. The people of Cookstown are anxious to see the cutting of the first sod on site without further delay. It is felt that this new police academy will bring additional investment to the area and promote development in the neighbouring towns and villages.
“The people of Mid-Ulster deserve to have their views represented and the Ulster Unionist Party is clear in its commitment to achieving a fully devolved democratic government at Stormont for the people of Northern Ireland. The Ulster Unionist Party clearly has the best interests of the Union at heart and therefore the best interests of all f the people in Northern Ireland at heart.
“I believe that the people of Mid Ulster are ready and willing to take control of their own affairs and make normal politics work. I have worked tirelessly for the past 9 years to represent the best interests of all in Mid-Ulster. I ask the people of Mid-Ulster to give me Billy Armstrong your First Preference vote on Wednesday, 7 March 2007 and I will with your help will continue to strive to Unite all the Unionist people in Northern Ireland.”
“Remember to Vote for All of Us in the different Unionist parties, a united voice of Unionist people making Northern Irelands politics work for the first time in 35 years.