RICHARD DALLAS is an Ulster Unionist Party candidate in Foyle, where he is listed as number two on the party's list of candidates. He is self employed.
THIS has been a busy week politically for Ulster Unionists in Londonderry. Monday saw the official launch of our local manifesto. This was done by John Taylor. He did the usual briefings to the press, encouraging Roman Catholics to vote Unionist as it was in their best interests.
Mr Taylor proceeded to "go walkabout" in the Fountain area, where the reception was very good. There is always good humour when you canvass door to door. John Taylor jokes: "Don't worry about the manifesto, show them a copy of the Sunday World with Sammy Wilson in the altogether".
There is a fine balancing act between my civic duties and electioneering. On both Tuesday and Wednesday nights I had to attend meetings, so the canvassing teams forged on without me.
The temperature is definitely rising with sharp words being expressed on television and in the press. I received on Wednesday a reply from the Woman's Coalition to a document I produced lambasting their manifesto. I was subsequently invited to a party they are organising on Thursday evening. I discreetly refused.
Last night my Orange Hall in Dungiven was deliberately damaged by arsonists. Attacks on my culture, tradition and existence really do anger me. This does not auger well for trust, inclusiveness and tolerance.
Today the party leader is coming by bus to Londonderry. David Trimble can only stay a few hours but we definitely will make the most of him. He has publicly criticised Dick Spring again and rightly so. This will encourage more press coverage for the party locally.
The timetable is running out but doors still need to be knocked. There is plenty of work to do.