DUP unveils 'maintenance of RUC' manifesto

The Democratic Unionists Party's 16-page manifesto is calling for a vote against those who have agreed to abolish the RUC.

The Democratic Unionists Party's 16-page manifesto is calling for a vote against those who have agreed to abolish the RUC.

The party has also urged the electorate to reject those who had 'given in to Republicans' through the Belfast Agreement.

The DUP leadership also stated it remains angry with those who permitted a 7 per cent increase in the regional rate instead of cutting spending on all-Ireland bodies.

The party have also called for resistance against attempts to neutralise British identity in Northern Ireland through the banning of Orange Parades and attempts to stop the flying of the Union flag on government buildings.

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The manifesto describes a tougher policy to deal with crime by following the example set in places like New York with its policy of zero tolerance.

It also outlines plans for equality for women and ethnic minorities and an end to the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, which has banned Orange marches.

In terms of education, the party highlights its opposition to the Minister of Education Mr Martin McGuinness's capital spending programme and its weighting in favour of Catholic schools. It also calls for the replacement of the 11-plus with selection tests conducted over the last two years at primary schools.

To boost the economy and improve public services, the DUP proposes a downsizing of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the amalgamation of health boards and trusts.

Alongside this the party calls for priority in health policy being given to a reduction in the increases in National Health Service waiting lists and a corresponding reduction in waiting times. It also wants the ending of prescription fraud which costs over Stg£10 million a year.

The DUP manifesto outlines the lifting of the European Union's beef export ban, a fairer distribution of the milk quota, the delivery of a pig outgoers scheme and the establishment of a farm retirement scheme.

PA