Trimble launches election manifesto

THE North’s Assets Recovery Agency must have proper funding to tackle paramilitary and criminal gangs, the Ulster Unionists said yesterday.

The party made the demand in its 16-page Assembly Election manifesto, which was launched by leader David Trimble in South Belfast.

In a foreword to the document, Mr Trimble said there had been recent progress in the effort to rid Northern Ireland of paramilitaries, but he said: "The job of firmly establishing peace and democracy is not yet finished.

"Progress occurred. Republicans talked of pursuing their objectives peacefully. They defined the Agreement as providing full and final closure of the conflict, but they failed to decommission in a manner to maximise public confidence or to give the assurance that, this time, the process would be completed. Nonetheless the job can be completed. We know what is needed. We understand the difficulties. We have stuck at it and we know that there is no one else in the unionist community who can do it."

The Ulster Unionists' manifesto focused on the party's record in government and its pledges for devolution and the peace process.

The party vowed to:

Deliver an integrated health centre in every major population area; reduce bed blocking and improve services for the elderly, press for the introduction of free personal care and work to reduce waiting lists and times.

Replace all mobile classrooms with permanent accommodation within five years, extend access to nursery schools, introduce a common funding formula delivering equitable funding to all schools and increase university and college places.

Increase the number of police officers on frontline duty, remove 50:50 quotas for Catholic and Protestant police recruits and deliver a community relations policy based on tolerance and mutual respect, focusing on key problem areas.

Complete the dualling of major roads Belfast to Enniskillen, Larne, Londonderry and Newry.

Build a national stadium for Northern Ireland which would serve as a centre for excellence for sport.

Tackle economic disadvantages, highlight insurance problems for business and reduce further energy costs, invest more in research and development by both universities and industry, increased investment in rural development and produce a rural energy strategy and support the fishing industry.

The party also unveiled its latest campaign weapon a helicopter.