THE Workers' Party, contesting all 18 constituencies in the Northern elections, has built its campaign on a demand to prioritise job creation and to institute a Bill of Rights.
Launching its manifesto yesterday, the WP claimed to be the only party in the elections which has consistently placed full employment at the top of its political programme. Its manifesto asserts that for the past 25 years it has consistently represented the overwhelming demand of the majority of Northern citizens for peace and democracy. The all party talks have to address these two issues in an atmosphere free from any threats of violence or the renewal of terrorism, it says.
The party's Northern chairman, Mr Tom French, said the WP viewed the forum not as a sideshow or a sop to the people but as an important and vital component in the whole process of constructing a new social and political life in Northern Ireland.
The forum would be a public space within which all democratic organisations could make positive contributions. "In a word, it will provide a vital platform for all who wish to make inputs into a fresh political, social and economic debate on the construction of a new Northern Ireland within the outlines of the Framework Documents," he said.
The WP manifesto declares that it does not see the constitution as an issue in this election. "The Workers' Party is committed to and defends the principle of consent," it says. "Northern Ireland will remain part of the united Kingdom for as long as the majority of its citizens wish it to remain so."
It argues for the creation of a integrated education system. It demands a devolved, democratic government for Northern Ireland to address the political, social and economic challenges, and it says the cornerstone of new democratic structures must be a Bill of Rights to underpin and guarantee the rights of all citizens.
WP also wants accountable, proper funded and accessible health and social services. It proposes a cross community examination of sectarianism, racism and community division.
The party is running 39 candidates in the constituencies, and has 10 names on its regional list.