DUP Manifestoes for #EP14 and #LE14

Standing up forNorthern Ireland

in a growing EU

More efficientLocal Government

Backing businessand job creation in

the Northern Irelandeconomy

Fighting for afair deal for farmers

and fishermen

Increasing EU fundingin Northern Ireland

Promotingfundamental rights

European and Local GovernmentManifesto 2014

DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:46 Page 1



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Message from DUP Party LeaderRt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLA

For just over 40 years our relationship with Europe hasbeen constantly changing.More and more power andauthority has been transferred from the UK to Brussels,yet the British people have not been given a say since1975. It is time the British people were allowed to voicetheir opinion on what type of relationship we have withthe European Union.That is why the DUP and our MEPDiane Dodds have campaigned for a referendum.A votefor Diane is a vote for change.

While the DUP advocates change in Europe, this electionmarks the start of a new era in local government.Theimplementation of new larger council areas will providesavings for ratepayers and better services for everyonethroughout Northern Ireland.

The changes in local government boundaries will not alterthe DUP’s consistent record of delivery.We will build uponthe successful constituency service built up by ourCouncillors, MLAs and MPs over many years.We willcontinue to work towards the delivery of yet morestreamlined, responsive and efficient government.

Despite the global downturn, the DUP has continued todeliver on a local, national and European level.Our party’sproud history of low taxation, demonstrated over manyyears in District Councils, will continue.Both in setting theregional rate and the district rate our pledge remains thesame: we will continue to work to deliver the lowesthousehold bills in the UK.

In Europe, our MEP will not be constrained by the nationalinterest of European party groupings.Diane has a proudrecord of being an independent voice, putting NorthernIreland first.While others have been constrained, Dianehas been able to speak out for the farmers, fishermen,business leaders and people of Northern Ireland.Dianewill continue to be your independent voice in Europe.

In our 2014 manifesto the Democratic Unionist Party issetting out our plans and priorities for Europe and thenew District Councils.On the 22nd of May, with yoursupport we will continue to keep Northern Irelandmoving forward.

Northern Ireland will go to the polls on the 22nd of May to elect Members tothe European Parliament and Councillors for eleven new District Council Areas.


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Your MEP – Diane Dodds

Diane grew up on a small family farm outside Rathfrilandin County Down and was educated at Annaclone PrimarySchool, Banbridge Academy and Queen's University. Ateacher by profession, Diane qualified from StranmillisCollege before taking up a post at Laurelhill High Schoolin Lisburn, where she taught History and English, as wellas pupils with learning difficulties.

Prior to her election to the European Parliament, Dianehad become the first unionist in a generation to win anAssembly seat in West Belfast. In 2005, she was electedto Belfast City Council with the highest individual vote ofany candidate across Northern Ireland.

As a non-attached MEP, Diane successfully negotiated fullmembership of the EU Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentCommittee.In this role,she has fought to get the best dealfor our farmers,the environment and the wider ruralcommunity.She also secured representation on the EUFisheries Committee and in this position authored twopieces of legislation that now give local fishermen greaterflexibility to fish cod stocks in the North Sea.

In Europe, Diane has made it a priority to expose the redtape and costly practices that strangle our businessesand pick the pockets of our taxpayers.She is a leadingmember on the Steering Group of the Single SeatCampaign, which aims to make savings of €200 millionevery year by basing the Parliament in one location.

Diane has also championed religious freedoms onthe European stage, fighting the corner of Christianspersecuted across the world through speeches andseminars.She is also a member of the Parliament'sDelegation for Relations with Israel.

During her first term as an MEP, Diane identified a needto increase the level of EU funding coming into NorthernIreland.She has published a ‘Signposts to Funding’series, comprising four directories that outline differentopportunities for businesses, faith-based organisationsand community groups.

At home, Diane is a keen supporter of many charitablecauses.She has volunteered for the Royal British Legion'sPoppy Appeal and has fundraised for severalorganisations, including the Friends of the Cancer Centre,

anti-human trafficking group No More Traffik and theMandeville Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.

When not working in Brussels, Strasbourg or her Lisburnoffice, Diane enjoys spending time with her family athome, and especially the new addition to the family,her grandson Henry.

After serving the people of Belfast for more than 10 years, Diane was elected as a Member of the EuropeanParliament in May 2009. She serves on the EU's Agriculture and Fisheries Committees, and has publishedfour directories signposting businesses, community groups and churches to European funding.


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1Northern IrelandMoving Forward


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Under DUP leadership, NorthernIreland has been moving forward.We are the only party standingup for Northern Ireland in Europe,Westminster, the Assembly andDistrict Councils.

Unionism united at every level ofgovernment is Unionism that isconfident and strong. In thiselection it is important that theUnionist vote is not shredded anda strong Unionist voice is heard.

Only the Democratic UnionistParty offer a united Unionist voice.

Our record is one of standing up for business.That is whywe have saved businesses millions of pounds throughIndustrial de-rating and the Small Business Rates ReliefScheme.For our economy to be rebuilt,an environment forbusinesses to thrive needs to be created.That is why theDUP placed the economy and jobs at the heart of recovery.

Much has been done, but more still needs to be achieved.We cannot afford to be complacent.That is why a vote forthe DUP is a vote to build on the foundation which hasbeen laid, and to keep Northern Ireland moving forward.

But Unionism must be vigilant.The exposure of the“On the Runs”administrative scheme has only served toprove that more work needs to be undertaken to moveNorthern Ireland forward to a peaceful society.The DUPwill not tolerate the diminution of justice.While somecontent themselves by only making statements ofcondemnation the DUP wants to get something donefor victims.

As we move forward, we do so in the knowledge that atno time in our lifetime has the union been more secure.But this should not lead to complacency and more needsto be done.The DUP is the only party with a strategy tolead Northern Ireland into its second century more robustand stronger than ever before.

Our record stands for itself.The DUP has delivered.Without the strong voice of the DUP water charges wouldhave been introduced; rates would be higher; grammarschools would be no more; student fees would havetrebled and legislation would have been introducedredefining marriage.

The economy stands stronger because of the work ofthe DUP. Outside of London, Northern Ireland currentlyattracts the highest rate of inward investment, more thanany other region of the UK.Month after month, ourunemployment rate continues to fall.Over 17,000 newjobs have been created in challenging economic times.


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On 22nd May a vote for the DUPis a vote for the party standing upfor Northern Ireland. A vote forthe DUP is a vote to look forward.

Over the past decade, the DUP hasbeen the largest Unionist party.Much has changed and moreneeds to be done. While weremember the past and those whohave suffered, this election is anopportunity to once again keepNorthern Ireland moving forward.

While other Unionists in the past had been weak andcaved in to Republican demands and political side-deals,it was the DUP that stood up for justice and demandedthat the scheme end and those responsible be held toaccount.

That is why the DUP has been the party fighting forvictims.In both Westminster and the Assembly we havebeen to the fore in fighting for the definition of a victimto be changed.A classification of victims that equatesperpetrators and the injured party is not only wrong butalso immoral.That is why the DUP introduced PrivateMembers legislation in an attempt to change the law.The DUP will continue to provide a voice for the voicelessin Northern Ireland.

The DUP is the only party not afraid to take the toughdecisions.At every level of government, our MEP, MPs,Ministers, MLAs and Councillors, are standing up forNorthern Ireland.


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7ways we’re keeping

Northern Ireland Moving Forward


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1. Strengthening UnionismSupport for Northern Ireland’s position in the UnitedKingdom is at an all-time high.

2. Securing Relative PeaceWhile terrorist threats remain, Northern Ireland isenjoying the most peaceful era for many decades.

3. Bringing More JobsWe have attracted more foreign direct investment toNorthern Ireland than at any point in our history.

4. Delivering Lower TaxesNorthern Ireland has the lowest household taxes ofanywhere in the UK.

5. Helping StudentsWe have not followed the policy in England of increasingStudent Fees to over £9,000 and have frozen them in realterms for Northern Ireland helping to make highereducation available to all.

6. Attracting International EventsBecause of the progress that has been made NorthernIreland has been able to attract significant events such asthe G8, the World Police and Fire Games, the Irish Open,the MTV awards and the Giro cycling race.

7. Investing in HealthWe have invested in our health service facilities byopening the new £270 million South West AcuteHospital and are providing funding for work to starton the £250m new Children’s Hospital.


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The Right PrioritiesStanding up for Northern Ireland in a growing EUBacking business and job creation in the Northern Ireland economyFighting for a fair deal for farmers and fishermenIncreasing EU funding in Northern IrelandPromoting fundamental rights

A Record of DeliveryThe best Parliamentary record of any Northern Ireland MEP

Published four funding directories to help local community groups,churches and businesses secure millions of pounds

Organised over 120 public meetings across Northern Ireland tohighlight funding opportunities

Holds key roles on the European Parliament Agriculture and FisheriesCommittees, highlighting the needs of our farmers and fishermen

Thousands of constituency cases dealt with right across the Province


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2Standing up for

Northern Irelandin a growing EU


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A New Relationshipwith EuropeThe DUP believes that our relationship with Europe isimportant.However, in the past three decades, there hasbeen a steady transfer of powers from our sovereignParliament at Westminster to the corridors and backalleys of Brussels and Strasbourg.

These changes have been hard-felt by people livingacross Northern Ireland.Local businesses, farmers andfishermen have all been suffocated by EU red tape thatdetermines when, where and how they can work, whilebureaucrats in Brussels continue to pick the pockets ofour taxpayers.We live under the continual threat oflosing more and more of our national sovereignty, andwith every day that passes, we appear less able tocontrol our own destiny.

Diane Dodds and the DUP advocate changing the UK'srelationship with the EU and will work to bring about anew association that prioritises trade and cooperation,rather than federalism and integration.

EU ReferendumLong OverdueThe DUP will continue to campaign for the people of NorthernIreland to have their say on the UK's relationship with theEuropean Union.We welcome the announcement by thePrime Minister that if elected, he will hold a referendum onEurope during the next term of Parliament.

• While our preference is to hold a referendum now, DianeDodds will fight to ensure that a date for a poll on EUmembership is announced by the end of 2016.

• We will seek a commitment from the Labour Party and LiberalDemocrats that a referendum will take place regardless of whoholds the keys to Downing Street after the next General Election.

• We will encourage a real debate on the European questionin the next term and lead calls for a new relationship withEurope which preserves national sovereignty and preventsever closer union.

Less European bureaucracy is good for the UK.It is good fordemocracy in this country and good for businesses andhouseholds across our Province.The Prime Minister haspromised to bring back powers from Europe and while thisapproach is to be welcomed,we will wait and watch to see howsuccessful he is in doing this.

Diane Dodds will remain committed to providing a voice forthose living and working across Northern Ireland who holdmajor concerns regarding the EU.

Reforming Europe

The DUP believes fundamental changes areneeded to ensure that taxpayers in NorthernIreland reap the benefits of greater Europeancooperation.

Over the past five years in the EuropeanParliament, Diane Dodds has consistentlyhighlighted the extortionate cost of Europe toour taxpayers.She has also publicly questionedthe lack of transparency and accountability inmany EU areas, including its numerous quangos.

The DUP remains concerned with inconsistenciesin the enforcement of EU legislation.WhileNorthern Ireland is often forced to gold plateEuropean laws, we see other countries escapepenalties for non-compliance.

In the new term, Diane will:

• Pursue a level playing field in Europe.

• Work towards building an EU that is moretransparent

• Seek better value for money for businesses andhouseholds across Northern Ireland.


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The Cost of EuropeThe European Union is costing people in Northern Irelandbillions of pounds every year.The DUP will continue tooppose the historic trend of waste and inefficiency inEurope and promote greater savings.

The UK is currently a net contributor to the EU, as we paymore into the budget than we get back out.Our annualcontribution is in the region of £19.1 billion.This is moneyfrom the pockets of businesses, families and householdsacross Northern Ireland.

Supporting a Single SeatDiane Dodds and the DUP will continue to fight for aSingle Seat for the European Parliament to increaseefficiency and generate savings.In the past term, DianeDodds has been an integral member of the Single SeatCampaign's steering group in the European Parliament.She has addressed seminars and co-signed manyamendments to European legislation calling for one basefor Parliament's activities. At present, the EuropeanParliament splits its work over three locations; Brussels,Strasbourg and Luxembourg.MEPs move from Brusselsto Parliament's official seat in Strasbourg for one weekevery month, costing EU taxpayers €180 millionannually and €1 billion every seven years.

This arrangement means that almost three times theamount of infrastructure, technical support,communications and interpreting is needed.Annualcosts for maintaining Parliament Buildings in Strasbourghits tens of millions, despite the premises being closedfor 317 days every year.

Source: www.singleseat.eu


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CuttingEU QuangosThe DUP wants to see a cut in the number of unnecessaryand costly EU quangos.We will promote the abolition ofEuropean bodies that duplicate functions offering littleend reward for the people of Northern Ireland.

• The number of EU quangos has doubled since 2004.

• In the past three years, spending on the EU's 56quangos has risen by a third.

• In 2012 alone, the cost of EU quangos reached £2.5billion.

• Under the 2014-2020 EU budget, quangos will receivea 4% spending increase.

Annual savings of over €400 million could be made tothe EU budget by cutting EU quangos. Diane Dodds andthe DUP are committed to working toward this goal inthe new term.

Transparency andAccountabilityIn the next five years, Diane Dodds and the DUP will workto make the European institutions more transparent andmore accountable to the people of Northern Ireland.

Spending on Europe's unaccountable civil service isunacceptably high and is set to rise by almost 2%between 2014-2020.This increase comes despite the EUalready employing 3,000 unelected officials with salariesof over €144,000, while public service employees losetheir jobs or face a pay freeze in the UK.

In addition, despite not being elected by peopleanywhere in Europe, twenty-eight EuropeanCommissioners are also responsible for much of the redtape that we as citizens in Northern Ireland face in oureveryday lives.

Diane Dodds will:

• Seek fairer and more proportionate salaries for EUofficials, especially given the recent economic climate.

• Push for greater spending cuts in the growing Brusselsbureaucracy in line with national austerity measures.

• Promote a legislative process that is more democraticand transparent.

• Ensure that effective public consultation is at the coreof EU legislation, in order to ensure accountability.


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Defending theUK EconomyThe DUP opposes an EU banking union and believes that the UnitedKingdom should retain complete control over its financial affairs.

With every piece of legislation that is passed in Brussels andStrasbourg, the European Union seems to interfere more and morewith the everyday lives of people in Northern Ireland.The DUPcontinues to believe that the United Kingdom and other EUMember States should have greater control over their domesticpolicies, including their economic affairs.

Diane Dodds and the DUP will oppose further economic integrationas it neither recognises, nor solves, the cause of the EU's economicproblems, the folly of a single currency.

• We believe the financial crisis has justified the UK's decision not tojoin the euro.The UK Government now retains the flexibility to varya range of economic powers and practices in order to spark growth.

• The global economic situation has shown that a Europeanmonetary union does not work.The eurozone project, which waspolitically inspired, is now in crisis.

• We believe that the UK should not join an EU banking union.TheUK should not have to share the burden of debts accrued by thebanks of failing eurozone countries, such as Greece and Spain.Weare of the view that Northern Ireland's taxpayers should not haveto help solve a problem that they did not create.

Preserving UKForeign PolicyThe DUP will continue to defend the UK's right to deviseand govern its own foreign policy.We will resist anyattempts to harmonise Europe's defences.

In the past five years, Diane Dodds has actively voicedopposition to the European External Action Service(EEAS), which employs 3,500 people and costs taxpayersacross Europe almost €500 million every year for its rolein representing EU interests throughout the world.

We in the DUP believe that this agency underminesnational foreign policies across Europe, at a ludicrous costand should be abolished.We will pursue this goal in thenext five years.


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No to EU MilitaryIntegrationThe DUP will oppose any form of EU military integrationand will defend the UK's sovereign right to govern itsown defences and national security policy.

Diane will:

• Oppose any plans for an EU Military Headquarters.

• Reject any attempts to centralise the procurement ofweaponry and defence equipment throughout the EU.

• Lobby the UK Government to opt out of any proposalsfor a common EU defence strategy.

A British Justice SystemWe will continue to defend the sovereignty of the Britishcriminal justice system against further encroachment bythe European Union.

Diane Dodds has actively opposed the role of unelectedjudges within the European Court of Justice (ECJ) andEuropean Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in overrulingUK decisions on sentencing and deportation.She hasspoken fervently against the decision of the ECHR lastyear that whole life sentences without the opportunityfor release are a breach of human rights.Diane believeslife should mean life.

Diane has also voted against all attempts by theEuropean Parliament to adopt a common EU approachto criminal law.The DUP will at all times seek to preservethe UK's democratic right to prosecute, try, convict,sentence and deport on its own terms.

Diane will:

• Continue to oppose the role of unelected judges withinthe European Court of Justice and the European Court ofHuman Rights.She will defend the independence andefficiency of the British criminal justice system.

• Reject any plans for a single European criminal justicesystem. She will advocate tough sentencing at anational level.

• Reject any plans to create an EU Public Prosecutor tofight financial crime.

• Oppose further harmonisation of rules relating toimmigration, asylum and visas across the EU.

• Reject the European Commission's use of nationaljustice scoreboards to compare how criminal trials areconducted throughout EU Member States.

• Continue to oppose the ludicrous ruling by theEuropean Court of Human Rights (ECHR) giving prisonersthe right to vote.


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ImmigrationThe DUP will continue to defend the UK's sovereign rightto protect its own borders and remain outside theSchengen Agreement.

While we believe that free movement across the EUbrings many economic benefits, it has also becomeapparent that the influx of immigrants can create manyeconomic tensions.

Diane Dodds believes that the costs of immigration aremost keenly felt within our welfare system, especiallyin regard to health provision and social housing.Wewill advocate tighter controls on EU immigration intoNorthern Ireland in order to reduce the burdens on ourProvince's nurses and doctors.

The DUP will also oppose further EU enlargement, asthis threatens to aggravate illegal immigration, increasecross-border crime, and direct EU funds away fromworthy projects in Northern Ireland. It would also createuncertainty within internal trade in relation to thequality of produce entering our markets.

Diane will:

• Reject any attempts to further harmonise EU rules onimmigration and asylum.

• Lobby the UK Government to place immigration at theforefront of negotiations aimed at bringing back powersfrom Brussels to Westminster.

• Promote a strategy that will better align economicneed with EU immigration into the UK.

• Oppose further EU enlargement.

• Encourage flexible visa arrangements for students inNorthern Ireland taking part in exchange schemes acrossEurope and further afield.


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Organised CrimeFree movement across Europe has increased organised crimebetween our borders and escalated the problem.The DUPbelieves that a coordinated approach must be taken by EUMember States to tackle the damage that it is causing to oursociety and the economy.

The decision taken by Sinn Fein and the SDLP to block the UK'sNational Crime Agency from operating in Northern Ireland istotally abhorrent.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has promoted the need forfull political and public support for those charged with combatingorganised crime. In the European Parliament, she has illustratedthe extent of fuel laundering in Northern Ireland and the vastlydetrimental economic impact it is having locally.

Moving forward, Diane will:

• Press the case for a more coordinated and well-resourcedstrategy for tackling organised crime, including fuel and moneylaundering, human trafficking and drug crimes, across EU borders.

• Continue to highlight the implications that organised crime canhave for funding terrorist activity in regions of the EU, includingNorthern Ireland.We believe an EU strategy must prioritisecombating organised crime in these contexts.

• Promote a more targeted approach to specifically tacklingcross-border food fraud across the EU.


3Backing business and

job creation in theNorthern Ireland economy

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Securing our placewithin the Single MarketThe DUP recognises that the Single Market is one of theEuropean Union's most transformative assets.We want tomaximise the economic opportunities that it presents forNorthern Ireland.

As a region of the UK, Northern Ireland is now part of aEurope that is better connected than ever before, by air,rail, sea and online.With better connectivity there is aninherent potential for economic growth, via the freemovement of labour, goods, capital and services.DianeDodds wants to help businesses and individuals in ourlocal communities to exploit this potential.

We are committed to promoting Northern Ireland'shighly-educated and high-skilled workforce at an EU leveland showcasing our region of the UK as an hospitablebusiness environment within the Single Market.

The DUP will:

• Target the growth potential offered by the freemovement of goods and services between NorthernIreland and the rest of Europe.

• Promote new growth sectors in Northern Ireland suchas tourism, the creative industries and energy.

• Promote greater investment in our air travelinfrastructure, in order to improve our position within theSingle Market.

• Ensure that educational and training qualifications heldby residents of Northern Ireland are professionallyrecognised throughout the EU.

• Protect Northern Ireland consumers and ensure thatthey have confidence to avail of the wide selection ofproducts and services available to them through theSingle Market.

TradeThe DUP supports an export-led economic recovery inNorthern Ireland.We want to help local businesses toidentify existing and emerging global markets into whichthey can supply indigenous products and services to therest of Europe and further afield.

While we believe the UK would be better equipped tonegotiate trade in its own right, the DUP will work toensure that our interests are upheld in EU agreements.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has voted in favourof EU trade agreements with countries including theUnited States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.Theseagreements have reduced barriers to trade betweenNorthern Ireland and the rest of the world in severalareas, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.


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In the next term, the DUP will:

• Continue to support EU legislation that positivelyreduces trade barriers between Northern Ireland, othercountries in the EU and the rest of the world.

• Support targeted investment in our digital andtransport infrastructures in order to maximise thepotential for transferring products, services and capitaldeveloped in Northern Ireland to other parts of the world.

• Promote the use of e-commerce as a way for businessesto increase exports and meet consumer demand.We willvote in favour of any EU proposals that would increaseconfidence in online trade.

• Showcase Northern Ireland products and services at aEuropean level.We will use examples of local innovationto promote greater trade links with the rest of Europe, theFar East and North America.

• Assist local companies and first-time exporters todiversify into new export markets across the globe.

Boosting BusinessThe DUP recognises that the dawn of political stabilityin Northern Ireland has been met by turbulent economictimes. Businesses across our Province continue to operatewithin a tough financial climate.Many fear for their future.

We are committed to getting Northern Ireland'seconomy back on track by promoting a businessenvironment that benefits local enterprises, fostersentrepreneurship, and encourages investment both inresearch, innovation and from abroad.

The DUP believes that any regulation is better madelocally and must be more flexible to meet the conditionsneeded to encourage growth.

Diane will:

• Oppose further EU red tape for Northern Ireland'sbusinesses.We are of the view that new legislation inEurope must always be a last resort.

• Actively seek to increase levels of inward investment inNorthern Ireland by supporting measures that reduceburdens on businesses.

• Continue to showcase the ingenuity of NorthernIreland's businesses on the European stage.

• Support proposals that would allow small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to better exploit the freedomoffered by the Single Market.

• Seek more effective enforcement of current legislation.


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Attracting InwardInvestmentDespite the continuing consequences of the globaleconomic recession, Northern Ireland has created morenew jobs than in any other period in its history.

Much of this success has been due to the fact that ourProvince has attracted disproportionately more foreigndirect investment than the rest of the UK. Many firms,including Citi Group, Allen and Overy and Coca Cola haveincreased their investment within our shores.The DUP iscommitted to safeguarding this progress and attractingincreased levels of inward investment in Northern Ireland.

In Europe,Diane Dodds has consistently defendedNorthern Ireland's EU regional aid status,which allows theExecutive to offer both foreign and indigenous companiesfinancial incentives to invest in Northern Ireland.She willcontinue to press the case for the retention of our 100%Assisted Area Status in order to allow continued,targetedgrowth within the private sector.

The DUP advocates the devolution of corporation tax-varying powers to Stormont.Northern Ireland hasbecome the most desirable place outside of London forForeign Direct Investment in the UK and we believe thathaving the opportunity to lower the rate of corporationtax would provide our business leaders with a levelplaying field on which to better compete with theRepublic of Ireland for inward investment by major globalcompanies.We will continue to lobby the UK Governmentfor a measured and phased transfer of these powers.

Supporting Small andMedium Sized EnterprisesSmall and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are the veryfabric of the economy in Northern Ireland.The DUP wantsto see a competitive business environment in which SMEscan thrive, unburdened by Brussels.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has workedtirelessly to represent the interests of Northern Ireland'sSMEs in the European Parliament. In 2012, shecollaborated with the Federation of Small Businesses(FSB),The Institute of Directors, and Confederation ofBritish Industry (CBI) to launch 'Signposts to fundingopportunities for Businesses', which aimed to assist smalland medium sized enterprises in combating the effects ofthe economic crisis.

The EU already overly regulates Northern Ireland'sbusinesses, determining how, when and where theyoperate.Regulation should be scaled back.

The DUP will continue to oppose further regulation andseek to provide start-up assistance and access to financeto new and existing businesses in our communities.


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Diane will:

• Oppose any attempts by the European Commission toplace further red tape on SMEs in Northern Ireland.Wewill promote the needs of smaller businesses at everystage of the legislative process.

• Support any changes to employment laws that provideSMEs greater flexibility to fulfil their growth potential.Wewill push for a review of the Working Time Directive

• Advocate simplification of EU laws and processes toensure micro businesses are able to readily understandthe impacts and opportunities.

• Lobby for easier access to finance for small enterprises.

• Promote funding opportunities under the EU's Horizon2020 Programme across the Province, to spearheadresearch among SMEs.

• Encourage uptake of funding from the COSMEprogramme to support local entrepreneurship.

• Signpost details of relevant European and domesticfunding opportunities to businesses in Northern Irelandthrough public engagement.

• Assist new SMEs through start-up packages, training,business-model support, micro-incubators and otherforms of investment support for self-employment.

• Facilitate peer mentoring and buddying betweenSMEs, both in Northern Ireland and across Europe inorder to share best practice and discuss challengesfacing businesses.

• Protect intellectual property rights of SMEs.

• Seek to implement the EU Services Directive moreeffectively and fully.

• Work to remove gold-plating to ensure a level playingfield for all SMEs in the enforcement of EU laws.We willpromote better implementation rather than newlegislation.

• Oppose proposed data protection rules which couldstifle competition and growth.

• Support SMEs in identifying and entering new exportmarkets for products and services, both within the EUand further afield.

• Provide assistance to new SMEs in future growth sectorssuch as tourism, ICT and the creative industries, and tothose investing in innovative and emerging technologies.

• Encourage more SMEs across Northern Ireland to getonline and to exploit economic opportunities presentedby e-commerce.We will promote a more secure onlineand cross-border environment for SMEs.


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Promoting Research andDevelopmentThe DUP believes that greater EU funding must bemade available between 2014-2020 for research anddevelopment activities in Northern Ireland.Thisinvestment will allow businesses and public sectororganisations across our Province to discover newknowledge about existing products and services, whichcan then be applied to spark growth in the future.

Diane will:

• Promote collaboration between our universities andSMEs towards targeted research and development aimedat encouraging economic growth.

• Work to improve the capacity for R&D within industry,agriculture, horticulture and biomedical sciences.

• Support local examples of ‘smart region’models acrossNorthern Ireland in order to spearhead research andinnovation and nurture growth among our enterprises.

• Support uptake of the EU Horizon 2020 Programme forResearch and Technological Development, as well asother initiatives which fund research aimed at creatingemployment and increasing competitiveness.

In the next term, Diane will:

• Continue to advocate for a reduction in Air PassengerDuty.

• Support farmers who aim to diversify into tourism byoperating holiday accommodation, such as self-cateringcottages and caravan camping grounds, or leisureenterprises, through the EU Rural DevelopmentProgramme.

• Encourage greater investment in the shared touristpotential of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Irelandand Western Scotland through the EU's INTERREGProgramme.We will promote shared cultural heritage,such as projects relating to Ulster-Scots or Orangeism.

SustainableTourism As Northern Ireland continues to emerge from alandscape scarred by decades of terrorism and politicalinstability, the DUP believes it is important to harness theclear tourist potential underlying our Province's richnatural and industrial heritage.

In Spring 2012, Diane hosted an exhibition in theEuropean Parliament to showcase Northern Ireland'stourism and economic potential.

Northern Ireland has already so much to offer touristsfrom across the world, such as the new Titanic buildingand the DUP want to build on this progress in order tosecure the benefits for our local economy in times ahead.


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EnergyWe are committed to reducing energy costs forbusinesses and consumers across Northern Ireland.Withfuel poverty continuing to affect many households, DianeDodds has at every opportunity sought to challenge theEuropean Commission to adopt a positive strategy aimedat making energy costs more affordable for our citizens.

In the past five years, Diane has actively promoted EUinvestment in energy efficiency projects.She hassignposted the EU's Intelligent Energy EuropeProgramme, which encourages greater energy savingsand a better uptake of renewable energy.Diane has alsoworked with the European Commission on the extensionof the gas pipeline to the West of Northern Ireland.

Moving forward, Diane will:

• Challenge the European Commission and EuropeanParliament to proactively tackle rising energy costs acrossEurope.

• Encourage greater UK investment in Northern Ireland'senergy infrastructure, particularly electricity, oil and gasnetworks.We want to realise easier access to theelectricity grid for businesses entering and operating inthe renewable energy sector.

• Support SMEs and encourage job creation in theproduction and storage of wind and wave energy.

• Lobby for EU funding for projects that increase ourProvince's capacity for storing and supplying renewableenergy.

• Explore the potential for anaerobic digestion throughco-digestion of wastewater treatment sludge andagricultural material.

• Promote education among the public and governmentagencies of the benefits of supplying food waste foranaerobic digestion, in order to reduce landfill.

The EnvironmentWhile protecting and promoting Northern Ireland’senviroment, the DUP will seek to utilise the manyeconomic growth opportunities offered.We want topromote an innovative approach to harnessing ournatural resources and encouraging diversification intorenewables.

Diane will:

• Promote EU and UK investment in projects that developbest practice models for land and habitat managementin Northern Ireland, particularly in less favoured areas.

• Work to protect indigenous plants, including heather, aswell as preserve coastal wildlife.

• Seek to increase environmental tourism by creating newscenic trails and routes across our Province.

• Encourage the continued celebration of NorthernIreland's wildlife, including endangered species.


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Connected HealthThe DUP remains committed to improving the ways thathealthcare is delivered in Northern Ireland.Our Province isa leading authority in the area of connected health, andhas actively promoted the use of new and innovativehealth technologies which can improve patientexperiences and provide a boost for our local economy.

Under the stewardship of the DUP, the Department ofHealth has collaborated with Invest NI to make the visionof e-health a working reality.More and more patientsacross Northern Ireland can now be monitored remotelyfrom their own homes.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has beencommitted to promoting Northern Ireland's ConnectedHealth and Prosperity Agenda in Europe.

In January 2013, she hosted an exhibition in theEuropean Parliament, attended by the EU HealthCommissioner,Tonio Borg, to showcase some of theinnovative devices and practices that have beenimplemented by health care professionals in our regionof the UK.

In the new term, Diane will:

• Work to increase EU investment in Northern Ireland'sinnovative approach to connected health.

• Continue to showcase state of the art healthtechnologies developed and used in Northern Ireland ona European stage.

• Exploit the local economic opportunities offered by thedevelopment of new and innovative health practices andmedical devices.

• Seek to increase the research capacity of our universitiesand industry, in order to adopt a knowledge-basedapproach to developing connected health.


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Mobile Data ChargesThe DUP welcomes the recent decision of the EuropeanParliament to abolish data roaming charges across the EUby the end of 2015.We are committed to ensuring thatconsumers and businesses have confidence to exploit theSingle Market.

In the next five years, Diane Dodds will:

• Promote more flexible mobile phone contracts forconsumers, including 12 month terms.

• Encourage greater transparency within mobile phonecontracts, especially in regard to removing jargon.

• Work to give customers the right to end a contract if thepromised conditions, such as internet speeds, are not met.

Increasing Access to Broadband The DUP will promote greater EU investment in Northern Ireland'sdigital infrastructure.We want to roll out broadband services andincrease access to ICT in order to allow consumers and businessesto better exploit the internet.

Diane will:

• Encourage the continued deployment of high-speed broadbandacross Northern Ireland, in order to increase access to the internetand encourage business start-ups in rural areas.

• Encourage greater uptake of ICT among existing small andmedium sized enterprises, in order to increase operationalefficiency and provide opportunities for expanding into online,cross-border markets.

• Source EU funding for investing in the digital economy inNorthern Ireland, in order to encourage growth and expansion.

• Work in Europe to complement the work of the Invest NorthernIreland-led Digital Northern Ireland 2020 project.

• Promote the use of ICT by community groups and enterprisesin the social economy, in order to help reduce levels of socialexclusion.

• Foster entrepreneurship to develop new digital services andproducts.


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4Fighting for a

fair deal for farmersand fishermen

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Agri food is a key driver of theNorthern Ireland economy. It sustains an estimated100,000 jobs and contributessome £5bn in sales. It is also akey exporter of produce withsome £2.6bn in external sales.

As a party dedicated togrowing the economy andproviding jobs and incomesfor families we are deeplycommitted to the sector andthe family farms whichproduce the raw material.

Reform of the CommonAgriculture PolicyDiane has played an active role in the reform of theCommon Agriculture Policy as a member of the EuropeanParliament Agriculture Committee.As the first DUP MEPto have the privilege to serve as a full time member ofthe committee Diane has worked tirelessly to protect theinterests of agriculture right across Northern Irelandduring the reform process.

CAP Budget The budget for the CAP has been under considerablepressure from other policy priorities in the EuropeanInstitutions. Diane has worked with other MEPs to ensurethat the budget for CAP was maintained as much aspossible. DUP MPs have worked to ensure that NorthernIreland’s percentage share of the overall UK allocation ofthe CAP budget stayed the same as in previous budgetallocations.

Single Farm Payment The Single Farm Payment is crucial in supporting foodproduction and the wider agri food sector in NorthernIreland. The DUP has huge concerns about the currentpolicy implications of CAP reform on the issue of support.However Europe has decided that there will continue tobe support, but eventually this will be levied at acommon per hectare payment.We will continue to fightfor a system of support for agriculture that prioritises

Since becoming a Member of the European ParliamentDiane Dodds has continuously engaged with farmersand those living in rural areas across our Province. Diane'sunwavering support for Northern Ireland’s agriculturalsector has been highlighted by the numerous local visits,the dozens of rural road shows and the daily work carriedout by a dedicated team in her constituency office.

In Brussels, as a member of the Agriculture Committee,Diane has lobbied the Commission, spoken out on theissues affecting Northern Ireland’s family farms andraised countless questions and amendments to reports.Most importantly Diane has been a voice for farmers onCAP reform.


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food security as well as supporting productive,sustainable and competitive agriculture. This will includea sensible rate of transition from the current system tothe new European proposals

Environmental sustainablilityThe DUP believes in the sensible management of thecountryside and the preservation and protection of theunique and beautiful landscape of Northern Ireland.Wehave always opposed the introduction of environmentalmeasures in Pillar 1 of the CAP believing that these arebetter placed in the Rural Development aspect of thepolicy. During the reform process we fought against themore unmanageable and harmful proposals from theCommission. Northern Ireland is now in a position wherethere are a series of environmental measures in Pillar 1and a legislative requirement for 30% of the Pillar 2budget to be maintained for agri environment schemes.We believe that locally DARD should review its schemeswhere targets have not been met and implement schemeswhich have increased environmental and climate benefit.

Young Farmers SchemeThis element of the CAP is compulsory and supported bythe DUP. Start ups in agriculture are massively capitalintensive. The average age of landholders in NorthernIreland is around 57 years. In order to grow the sector weneed to introduce new people. Therefore we continue tofully support this aspect of reform.

Red TapeNorthern Ireland can, quite rightly, take pride in thequality and traceability of its food. However farmbusinesses continue to operate under a costly andburdensome set of rules from the European Institutionsand indeed our own Agriculture Department. DianeDodds has voted against unnecessary bureaucraticburdens such as some aspects of sheep EID. The DUP willcontinue to try and protect our local industry from overregulation from Brussels.

Less Favoured Areas / Areas ofNatural ConstraintThe DUP is committed to the continuation of support forareas in Northern Ireland where it is more difficult tomake a financal return from the land because of thenatural constraints of the area. While there is provisionfor this policy to be reviewed with CAP reform we believethat this should wait while there is further discussion onthese matters at a European level.We therefore supportthe continuation of the scheme throughout the Pillar 2mechanism.

Rural Development We need to see a vibrant rural economy and supportservice provision for rural dwellers. Diane has been botha critic and advocate of rural development spending overthe past five years.Certain schemes have had a positiveimpact on communities and businesses, such as the farmmodernisation scheme, farm diversification and supportfor local community organisations.For many of theseschemes money has been severely limited and theschemes have often been oversubscribed.

In the 2007-2013 programme period money was slowto get out on the ground and the audit requirementsand administrative burden pushed people to withdrawfrom schemes.Diane has taken a stand against the DARDMinister’s use of strategic projects, many of which havebeen awarded between £250,000 and £1million. Manyof these were applications favouring certain sportingorganisations and initiatives which Councils couldn’t fund.

Moving forward Diane will aim to ensure that RuralDevelopment funding is directed towards drivingefficiencies in agriculture, managing the countryside withan emphasis on environmental and climate benefit andsupporting sustainable rural businesses to drive theeconomy forward.


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If re-elected Diane Dodds will:

• Continue to fight for an implementation of the CommonAgriculture Policy which will deliver for farmers, theenvironment, rural economy and rural dwellers.

• Ensure that the European Commission, conducts as amatter of urgency, a review of sheep EID requirements,the functioning of the supply chain across Europe, thedesignation of the areas of natural constraint, nitratesand phosphorous legislation and if necessary theimplementation of the Common Agriculture Policy,with clear outcomes which will deliver a more balancedapproach to legislation.

• Work with the DUP team at Council, Stormont andWestminster to deliver on reducing the burden of red tapeon farmers and agri food businesses.

• Continue to promote agriculture at home and in Europeto ensure consumers know the benefits of buying producefrom Northern Ireland and to open up new markets.

Agriculture and theEnvironment The future of agriculture and the wider countrysiderests on sustaining and enhancing the environmentright across Northern Ireland.We as custodians of theenvironment must endeavour to ensure the nextgeneration can enjoy the same benefits.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has taken a keeninterest in ensuring that Countryside ManagementSchemes from DARD are accessible and deliver tangibleoutcomes for the environment. In the next round offunding, where 30% of the rural development budgetis set aside to deal with the environment and climatechange issues, DARD must deliver a policy which catersfor all, not just the select few and provide educationnot penalties.

Other Government organisations like the NorthernIreland Environment Agency - while important toensure standards are maintained, should take apragmatic approach to inspections and enforcement.The Agency should place a greater emphasis oneducation and raising awareness, rather than a solefocus on inspections, to deliver greater environmentalbenefits.A greater understanding of the practical issuesfacing farmers is a must, especially in relation to theimpact weather conditions can have on farm businesses.

Going for GrowthGoing for Growth is an important industry led road-map todelivering growth and increasing profitability for primaryproducers. It is essential that the implementation of theCommon Agriculture Policy is used appropriately to meet theaims and objectives of “Going for Growth”. The DUP recognisesthat without the primary producer we have no supply chain.Hence the importance of a slow transition towards a flat rateprotecting productive family farms across Northern Ireland.

While others sit back and wait, the DUP through Arlene Fosterhas delivered on “Going for Growth”through the extensionof the gas network across Northern Ireland, rolling out theagri food loan scheme, reviewing the agri food sector andreviewing the way in which we market and promoteagricultural produce within the UK and abroad.These actionsare delivering and growing confidence within the industry.This confidence has been borne out by the fact that there arean unprecedented number of food companies applying toInvest Northern Ireland for support to grow and establishnew businesses.Diane Dodds has taken the lead as an MEPin Europe to fight for the extension of the gas pipeline to thewest of Northern Ireland and to ensure increased financialassistance can be provided to small businesses.

The DUP is also aware of the need for greater access tobroadband in rural areas.We are committed to buildingcapacity and infrastructure to aid business start-ups, jobcreation and growth in rural communities.


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Freedom to fishSeafood remains a vital industry to our coastalcommunities and the DUP continues to believe thatNorthern Ireland's fishing industry, as well as widermarine environment would be better served divorcedfrom the interference of the EU's Common FisheriesPolicy (CFP). Until that reality is secured Diane Dodds willcontinue to lobby at the heart of Europe to help secure aneconomically viable and sustainable local fishing industry.

Diane and the DUP have delivered on commitmentsmade prior to the last European Parliament election.Working together at Stormont,Westminster and inBrussels they have maximised the short term aidavailable to local fishermen, whilst working to relieve thedisastrous consequences of a failed centralised fisheriesmanagement regime.

Diane has delivered local fishing issues to the heart ofBrussels. Be it cod recovery, annual quota negotiations,fisheries conservation, international mackerel disputes orthe management of Strangford Lough, Diane Dodds hasmade sure that local issues have been raised at thehighest levels in the European Parliament and Commission.

If re-elected Diane Dodds will:

• Continue to advocate for the United Kingdom'swithdrawal from the CFP.

• Until withdrawal is secured work to ensure properregionalisation of the CFP.

• Promote the unique aspects of and sacrifices alreadymade by Northern Ireland's fishing community.

• Ensure all the funding opportunities afforded by theEMFF are delivered to Northern Ireland's Seafoodindustry.

• Work with the DUP team to remove local 'gold-plating'of EU fisheries regulations.

In the years ahead the reformed and regionalisedCommon Fisheries Policy brings with it major newchallenges, most notably the landing obligation. This isaccompanied by the opportunities contained in the newEuropean Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). It isessential that Northern Ireland's seafood industry'spriorities continue to be channelled directly to decisionmakers at all levels in the fisheries management chain ina fair, but robust way, just as Diane Dodds and her DUPcolleagues have been doing since 2009.

More often than not it is the Fisheries Administration inNorthern Ireland (DARD) who have failed local fishermen,fish processors and ancillary industries.Their rigid andsometimes unfair interpretation of EU Regulations,especially those that might afford opportunities to localfishermen have let our entire seafood industry down.Diane Dodds' regular contact with the seafood industryhas emphasised there is as much frustration with DARD'sSea Fisheries Division, as there is with the CFP.


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5Increasing

EU funding inNorthern Ireland

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Consolidating Peace

The DUP welcomes the €240 million that has beenagreed for a PEACE IV Programme in Northern Irelandand the border region of the Republic of Ireland between2014 and 2020

There can be no doubt that the allocation of Europeanpeace funding has positively contributed to the politicalprogress that Northern Ireland has witnessed in the pasttwo decades.However, in a society indelibly scarred bymany years of terrorism and wanton violence, the legacyof the past must continue to be confronted.

Innocent victims in our community who have sufferedthe most should receive comprehensive support inrebuilding their lives, and we must ensure that our youngpeople do not fall victim to the same divisive influencesof the past.

Signposts to Funding

Diane Dodds and the DUP continue to actively promotethe diverse range of funding opportunities that areavailable to groups and individuals in Northern Irelandthrough the European Union.

Over the past five years, Diane Dodds has published fourfunding directories to signpost relevant EU fundingopportunities for community groups, businesses,churches and faith-based organisations.She hasdistributed over 50,000 copies and conducted 120 publicinformation workshops across Northern Ireland.

Her first and fourth funding directories - 'Signposts tofunding for Community Groups and Not-for-profitOrganisations' - were launched in 2011 and 2013.Theyoutlined approximately 80 possible streams of fundingfrom several sources: the EU, corporate bodies,government sources, trusts and foundations.Over 40,000copies were distributed Northern Ireland-wide and 50public workshops conducted.

The DUP believes that the PEACE Programme in NorthernIreland, and other EU funds, post-2013 must have astrong economic focus in light of the global financial crisisand should include the following aims;

1.Supporting innocent victims of terrorism.

2.Combating youth unemployment.

3.Tackling social exclusion, improving education, skillsand lifelong learning.

4.Supporting the aim of shared education.

5.Greater inclusion of projects in the social economy,and those benefiting women, the elderly and faith-basedgroups.

6.A quicker turnaround for applications.

7.A fair allocation of peace funding.


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In June 2012, a second directory - 'Signposts to fundingopportunities for Businesses' - was published, aiming tohelp small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) offsetthe consequences of the economic crisis.Over 8,000copies were distributed.EU initiatives outlined included:

• The European Sustainable Competitiveness Programmefor Northern Ireland.

• The Leonardo Vocational Partnerships.

• The Seventh Framework Research Programme

Diane's third directory - 'Signposts to funding forChurches and Faith-based organisations' - was launchedin November 2012, outlining EU and national fundingprogrammes such as Youth in Action and the GrundtvigSenior Volunteering Programme.So far, over 3,000 copieshave been distributed at 30 public seminars.

Throughout her first term as MEP, Diane has also held 20public information sessions to offer practical advice onhow to fill out funding application forms effectively.Sheremains committed to getting the maximum amount ofmoney back out of Europe for people here in NorthernIreland.

Funding for the Future

The DUP will strive to raise awareness of future EUfunding and increase the number of applications fromworthy organisations in Northern Ireland.

During the past five years,Diane Dodds has successfullyassisted the Apprentice Boys in securing £3 million of EUfunding through the PEACE III Programme for its SiegeHeroes Museum and Shared Space Visitor Centre inLondonderry.She has successfully lobbied for EU funds forthe Orange Order to develop the resources of SchombergHouse and Sloan's House.

Currently for every £1.58 Northern Ireland taxpayers payinto the EU Structural Funds, they receive only £1 inreturn.This situation is unacceptable, and we in the DUPwant to the maximise the amount of EU grant assistancereceived by projects working in our Province.

Diane will encourage and assist uptake of the followingEU funding programmes:

• PEACE IV

• INTERREG VA

• Horizon 2020

• European Social Fund

• European Regional Development Fund

• European Rural Development Fund

• Connecting Europe Facility

• Creative Europe Programme

• Europe for Citizens Programme

• COSME

• Employment and Social Innovation Fund

• Erasmus for Entrepreneurs Programme

• Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme

At a time of global economic uncertainty and highunemployment, Diane also supports the continuation ofthe EU Lifelong Learning Programme under the 2014-2020 ErasmusPlus Programme.

This funding will allow businesses and organisations thatcarry out vocational education and training to work withsimilar groups elsewhere in the EU to improve training,skills and employability.We want to see better uptake ofthis funding by enterprises in Northern Ireland.


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6Promoting

fundamentalrights

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In the past five years Diane Doddshas used the European Parliamentas a platform to raise awareness ofthe loss of universal freedoms inmany societies around the world.

She has fought her corner forChristians suffering persecutionacross the globe, while promotingthe rights of the most vulnerableconstituent groups in our ownsociety, including children, olderpeople, and those living withdisabilities.

We will:

• Work to ensure that a proper distinction betweeninnocent victims and victim-makers is made in all piecesof EU legislation.

• Lobby for greater EU funding for projects that supportvictims of terrorism in Northern Ireland, their families,and marginalised communities in the next programmingperiod 2014-2020.

• Ensure that the views of innocent victims areincorporated into any legislation that seeks to consolidatepeace and stability in Northern Ireland.

Definition of a VictimThe DUP believes that there must be a clear distinctionbetween the perpetrator of criminal and terrorist activityand the status of an innocent victim.

In the European Parliament, Diane Dodds has fought toestablish this definition of a victim in EU legislation.Sheresponded to a European Commission consultation on apackage of measures which aimed to strengthen therights of victims of crime and violence.

Within her response Diane emphasised that anyoneinjured physically or psychologically in a crime for whichthey were responsible must not considered a victim.Shealso recommended a distinction between support forvictims of isolated crime and victims of a consistentcampaign by terrorists.

In September 2012, Diane was pleased to vote in favourof EU Directive 2012/29/EU which set out minimumstandards on the rights, support and protection of victimsof crime.This legislation is vital for supporting victims ofterrorism across Northern Ireland.

Moving forward, Diane will fight to ensure that theserights are applied fully across all EU regions.


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Safeguarding Christian ExpressionThe DUP believes that the freedom of religious expression is afundamental right that should be protected.In Europe, Diane Doddshas worked hard to raise awareness of the plight of marginalisedChristian communities around the world.

In April 2013, Diane co-hosted a seminar in the European Parliamentalongside Dutch MEP, Bastian Belder, to present the stark reality ofChristian persecution in Nigeria.The event allowed victims of directpersecution to share their experiences and outline the everydaydifficulties that many Christians in Nigeria face in the labour marketand education.

Diane has also consistently raised awareness of religious persecutionin other parts of world, including China and North Korea, which isranked on The World Watch List as the most difficult place on earth tolive as Christian.

In the new term, she will:

• Continue to raise awareness of Christian persecution in communitiesand countries across the world.

• Work to ensure that the promotion of freedom of religion andexpression are at the core of all EU legislation, especially in relation todevelopment, foreign affairs and employment laws.

• Ensure that Christian values and celebrations are given their rightfulplace within the diary and operation of the EU institutions.

The Right of the Unborn ChildThe DUP advocates the right to life of the unborn child and willoppose any attempts to weaken Northern Ireland's law onabortion at Stormont,Westminster or in Europe.

In the European Parliament, Diane has consistently fought tooppose any EU legislation that would promote, facilitate, orinvest in abortion.We believe that this approach reflects theviews of the majority of people in Northern Ireland on this issue.

Diane has voted in favour of preventing funds from the EUbudget going to family planning programmes which involvecoercive abortion.She has also actively opposed the practice ofsex selective abortion, which is operated in several countries,primarily in Asia.


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Preventing ChildExploitationThe DUP recognises that a Europe which is betterconnected by global communications, through theinternet and social media, is one that leaves our childrenat a greater risk from criminals and paedophiles.

In the European Parliament, Diane Dodds has beencommitted to the fight against child sex exploitation.In2013, she co-signed a Written Declaration to highlightthe prevalence of online child sexual abuse content andpromote a strategy of international cooperation forreporting and prosecuting violations.

Child sex exploitation transcends national borders andthe DUP will continue to lobby the European Parliamentto put in place a coordinated approach to assisting lawenforcement agencies in tackling this crime.

Tackling Human TraffickingThe DUP seeks to put in place robust legislation to tacklehuman trafficking in Northern Ireland.We want to send aclear message across Europe that it is not acceptable topurchase and traffic human beings for sexual exploitation.

The DUP is concerned that to date only two humantrafficking convictions have been successful in the courts inNorthern Ireland. We believe it is time for action.

In her role as an MEP, Diane Dodds has sought to raiseawareness of the growing problems presented by the risein trafficking and exploitation crimes across Europe.

Throughout her term in office, Diane has backed calls forstrong local, national and European legislation to tacklethese crimes and lobbied the European Commission toprovide support for affected victims.

In October 2013, she hosted an event in conjunction withlocal charities to mark EU Anti-Trafficking Day and highlightthe life of misery and exploitation experienced by traffickingvictims.

During the next five years, the DUP will present NorthernIreland's proactive approach to combating humantrafficking crime as a model for stronger, coordinatedlegislation on an EU-wide basis.She will lobby for EUfunding for projects that provide practical and psychologicalsupport to victims of human trafficking.


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Raising awarenessof Spina Bifida andHydrocephalusIn October 2012, Diane Dodds hosted an exhibition in theEuropean Parliament in Strasbourg to mark the firstWorld Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day.

The conference was attended by delegates from theInternational Federation for Spina Bifida and fromcountries across the world and aimed to raise awarenessof the condition, which occurs where a baby's spinal cordhas not properly developed during pregnancy.

During the event, delegates met with MEPs to discussprevention of condition, lobby for equality of treatmentand support services, and explore employmentopportunities for those living with Spina Bifida.

Diane Dodds and the DUP remain committed topromoting active ageing among those living in NorthernIreland with disabilities.We will continue to fight for anadequate level of health and social provision to allow allin society to fulfil their transformative potential.

Combating DomesticViolenceThe DUP finds it alarming that one in four women livingin the UK will experience domestic abuse.We want tosee effective and coordinated action across Europe tosend a signal that violence of any kind against womenand girls is unacceptable in our society.

In February 2013, Diane Dodds voted in favour of aEuropean Parliament Resolution which set outrecommendations for the elimination and prevention ofall forms of violence against women and girls.She hasalso lobbied for adequate social housing to allow victimsof domestic violence to proactively remove themselvesfrom abusive environments.

Diane will continue to oppose all forms of domesticviolence and promote an EU action plan whichencourages prevention, better provision of services forvictims and tougher sentences for offenders.

Supporting EU Bill of Rightsfor Cancer PatientsThe DUP is a strong advocate for the rights of cancerpatients across Northern Ireland.In February 2014, Dianewelcomed world-renowned cancer specialist fromQueen's University, Prof Patrick Johnston, to the EuropeanParliament for the launch of the European CancerPatient's Bill of Rights.

In Northern Ireland we have seen the difference that acomprehensive cancer care and research programme canhave on patient outcomes.The Cancer Patient's Bill ofRights aims to address the disparities that currently existin cancer care from one European country to the next.

The bill of rights is underpinned by three key principlesthat we fully endorse:

1.The right of every European citizen to receive accurateinformation and be involved in their own care.

2.The right of every European citizen to access specialisedcancer care underpinned by research and innovation.

3.The right of every European citizen to cost-effectivehealth systems that ensure optimum cancer outcomes.


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7More Efficient

Local Government


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Deliver the best public services at the lowest possible rates

Work to build economic prosperity

Promote and defend the symbols of the Union

Help build strong local communities

Work with others for the benefit of all

All DUP Councillors pledge to:


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On the 22nd of May Northern Ireland will vote in an historic election.For the first time since 1973, local government in Northern Ireland will beradically reformed. The old 26 District Councils have been merged, and inthe case of Belfast, enlarged, to form 11 new District Councils.

It is estimated that the merger of District Councils in Northern Ireland willdeliver millions of pounds in savings to local ratepayers. As Northern Irelandmoves to bigger council areas so duplication of services can be reduced,efficiencies can be made in procurement and more ambitious infrastructureplans can be put in place. These changes will benefit the economy.

At a time when the rising cost of living is having a greater impact on peoplethroughout Northern Ireland, keeping rate bills below inflation is essentialfor us all.

DUP Councillors elected to the new council areas are pledged to build onthe successful foundation left by their predecessors. The DUP has longbeen the party of low rates and prevented the direct rule plans for theintroduction of water charges.

Throughout the darkest days of our history, DUP representatives servedthe community without fear. That legacy will continue into a new era forlocal government.

Standing Up for NorthernIreland for the long-termUnionism has been on the right path under theleadership of the DUP. The Democratic Unionist Party isthe only unionist party that has the strength to succeedin representing the interests of all those who want tokeep Northern Ireland moving forward. A vote for theDUP is a vote for the only strong Unionist party that has astrategy for the future of Northern Ireland.

Whatever the difficulties, whether a global economiccrisis, austerity or cultural aggression, the DUP hasremained focused on moving Northern Ireland forward.By building our own political institutions, by building oureconomy and by building on the desire for a successfulNorthern Ireland, the DUP will deliver the greatest goodfor the people of Northern Ireland within the Union.

The deceit and debasement of the ‘On the Run’ letterscheme is a reminder of the alternative to devolution. Areminder of what is done when power is in the hands ofanyone but the people of Northern Ireland.

On 22nd May, stand with the DUP as we work to buildprosperity in Northern Ireland. Stand together with theDUP for Northern Ireland.Together, Unionism will bestrong - let’s keep Northern Ireland moving forward.


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7.1 Low Rates The DUP is the party of low rates, whether it is at Stormont,where the party has kept rates increases to no more thaninflation, or in local Government where the party has ledthe way in implementing rates freezes. Indeed, in DUP-ledBallymoney and Castlereagh Councils, rates were cut thisyear, allowing ratepayers to keep more money in theirpockets. The DUP is committed to providing the best publicservices at the lowest cost to the ratepayer.

As a result of the DUP’s commitment to low rates,we havethe lowest household taxation anywhere in the UK.Averageannual household taxation in Northern Ireland is £812,compared to £1322 in Scotland,£1433 in England and £1633in Wales.We have worked hard to keep your rates down.

Graph shows average rate bills in Northern Ireland compared to total household charges in the rest of the UK

2013/14 ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD BILLS IN THE UK

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0Wales

£1633

England

£1433

Scotland

£1322

NorthernIreland

£812

The DUP will workhard to keep yourhousehold bills down.


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That is why, since devolution in 2007, under DUPstewardship of the Department of Finance, increases inthe regional rate have either been zero or by no morethan the rate of inflation.

The graph below shows the difference that having aDUP Finance Minister makes.

There is a significant difference between whathouseholders in Northern Ireland are paying and whatthose in the rest of the United Kingdom are paying.Thisrepresents real help in difficult times and is a direct resultof the work of the DUP.Prior to devolution,both underDirect Rule and under an SDLP Finance Minister,increases inthe regional rate were well above inflation.In fact,duringthe last year of direct rule,the regional rate increased by19%.This was a scandalous move by unaccountableMinisters that the DUP was determined to halt.

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18.00

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1997-1998

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Instead of hiking up rates and adding to pressure onfamilies and businesses, DUP Councillors will seek to growthe rates base by encouraging new enterprise andinvestment and by making District Council areas businessfriendly environments.

We are making a contract with every ratepayer in NorthernIreland:

Every DUP candidate in this local governmentelection is pledged to deliver low rates to theelectorate.

DUP take overDepartmentof Financein 2007

Judge us on our

record of low taxation

% ANNUAL CHANGE IN THE REGIONAL RATE 1997-2015

We delivered on our pledge not to

introduce water charges.

The DUP is the party which has

frozen the regional rate in real terms.

In DUP-led Councils this year’s

rate was cut.


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Utilising BorrowingPotentialThe Northern Ireland Executive is restricted fromborrowing money from the European Investment Bank(EIB).Our new District Councils will not face thisconstraint.

Our DUP Ministers pledge to work with District Councilsto deliver EIB investment.This investment will allowDistrict Councils to invest in capital projects within andacross council areas.District Councils have the potentialto be drivers for economic change; the DUP at Stormontwill facilitate District Councils that want to effect realmeaningful change and attract jobs and investment totheir area.

7.2 Building theEconomy Building a sustainable economy will require innovativeand ambitious policies and changes to the way thingsare done.

For District Councils to make meaningful economicchange, Stormont will need to enact further legislation.That is why our Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA,is committed to making the necessary changes to the lawwhich will allow local government to access new powersand allow councils to invest in capital projects/economicinvestment.

Planning is one economic tool that is being devolved tothe new District Councils.The old planning system wasnotoriously slow and often uncertain.The devolution ofplanning to District Councils presents an opportunity forchange, however the DUP believes that opportunity hasnot been fully utilised.The DUP does not believe that thecurrent planning system can deliver the economic changethat is required.Further amendments to the Planning Act2011 are required to ensure that economic considerationsare given due weight.We want a planning system whichis fit for purpose in challenging economic times.

The DUP will:

• Work to introduce legislation which will enable localgovernment to better fund infrastructure projects.

• Place job creation at the heart of planning.

• Work to ensure community plans are meaningful andambitious, and deliver for people rather than create morebureaucratic mess.

Legislative changeThe DUP will do what is necessary at Stormont to ensurethat District Councils have the economic tools they needto make a difference.DUP Finance Minister SimonHamilton will examine the need for legislation to createTax Increment Financing (TIF) and introduce it if required.TIF has been used in Scotland for community improvementinfrastructure redevelopment.The waterfront in Edinburghand shopping districts in Glasgow are being overhauledand redeveloped.TIF allows the future gains in rates to beutilised in the building phase of development.


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That is why we proposed the introduction of “SpecialEconomic Planning Zones.”This would have allowed theExecutive to relax planning regulations for developmentsthat would produce significant economic growth and jobcreation.This tool is vital to future economic growth inNorthern Ireland.

• The DUP will continue to press for Special EconomicPlanning Zones to be created.

Community Planning District Councils will be required to draw up communityplans and review the plan every four years. If these plansare to be of any value they must be ambitious and deliverfor people not create more bureaucratic mess.

The DUP will:

• Seek to produce a community plan to deliver betterservices in partnership with other agencies, businesses,voluntary and community groups by 2015.

• Ensure that Community Plans are meaningful andambitious, and deliver for people not create morebureaucratic mess.

• Ensure that local community groups and individuals aregiven the capacity to engage fully in the process.

PlanningAs part of the reform of local government,the majority ofplanning powers will be transferred from the Departmentof the Environment to District Councils.This will mean thatplanning decisions will be made at a local level.

These new planning powers will allow the localcommunity, local representatives and planners, to worktogether to develop planning in the local area.

While these powers will be of benefit to the local area,the DUP believes the powers given to District Councils donot go far enough.The planning system in NorthernIreland is still not fit for purpose when it comes toimplementing significant inward investment proposals.

Losing significant investment opportunities has costthousands of jobs (as has happened recently when majornational retailers encountered intolerable obstacles in theplanning system).That is why the DUP proposed a moreflexible approach to planning.The DUP wants to seeeconomic considerations placed at the heart of planningto allow us to attract new developments and createemployment opportunities.


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ParadingThe DUP believes it is time for a new start on parades.TheDUP believes that a new start requires:

• The abolition of the Parades Commission.

• The separation of the administrative, mediation andadjudication roles.

• These new structures should be based on internationalhuman rights standards and guidelines fromorganisations like the Organisation for Security andCo-operation in Europe.

7.3 DUP – Promoting anddefending our symbols The Democratic Unionist Party is committed to upholdingand promoting our place within the United Kingdom.Nationalists and Republicans have conceded thatNorthern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom howeverthey have waged a war against the flag and symbols ofthe nation of which we are a part.They fail to recognisethat support for a United Ireland is now at an all time low.

DUP Councillors will:

• Support the flying of our nation’s flag, the Union Flag,365 days a year.

• Defend the symbols and emblems of our nation.

• Welcome members of the Royal Family to DistrictCouncils and support our Armed Forces.

The FlagThe DUP supports the flying of our nation’s flag, the UnionFlag, 365 days a year.

The display of the Union Flag is the recognition of Britishsovereignty over Northern Ireland. It is the principle ofconsent in action, a principle we are told that all sectionsof Irish nationalism (north and south of the border)accept.

The shift in flag flying policy across the United Kingdomin the past decade has been toward more frequentdisplays of the Union Flag.

The flying of the Union Flag from the main civic buildingof councils every day across Northern Ireland is a rightfuland proper manifestation of Britishness.


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The DUP supports:

• The celebration of all major Royal occasions.

• Welcome home parades and/or ceremonies for localregiments and those based in Northern Ireland followingoverseas deployments.

• The selection of armed forces charities during the yearsof service by DUP representatives as civic dignitaries.

• The Westminster Government to enact therecommendation in the Veterans’Review to make thenecessary changes to Section 75 to enable the fullimplementation of the Military Covenant forex-servicemen in Northern Ireland and allow them tobe treated equally with those in Great Britain.

Support Our Armed ForcesThe DUP has a long tradition of supporting ourservicemen and women.At Westminster, Stormont and inlocal government the DUP has sought to give a voice tothose who have served our country.

The greatest service that can be given in terms ofrecognition is to remove the barriers to the implementationof the Military Covenant for ex-servicemen. Within thepresent legal limits DUP Ministers have done their utmostto help ex-personnel.However, the Section 75 duties thatwere part of the Belfast Agreement negotiated andsupported by the Ulster Unionist Party and ProgressiveUnionist Party block the full implementation of theMilitary Covenant.


7.4 Building theCommunity As our economy grows it is important that people andfamilies feel the benefit of recovery.To keep NorthernIreland moving forward it is essential that we build ourcommunities so that people benefit, contribute and feelsafe.That is why the DUP will continue to protect hardworking families, provide opportunity for the young andfight for our older people.

The DUP will:

• Ensure that older people feel safe in their homes.

• Work towards making Northern Ireland an age friendlyregion.

• Work to eliminate animal cruelty in Northern Ireland

• Continue to work to keep our streets and communityclean and by innovative means, free from dog fouling.

Ensuring Older People aretreated with respectWhile it is still statistically less likely that an older personwill be the victim of a criminal act, the effects of crime aremuch more serious and detrimental to physical health,mental health and general wellbeing of older people.Older people know that the fear of crime is one factorthat makes them reluctant to engage with theircommunity and to even leave their homes.

More needs to be done by the police.While crime againstolder people is significantly reduced when compared toother age groups in society, the clear-up rates for crimesagainst older people are significantly worse.Recordedclear up rates for crimes against the elderly are aroundhalf the rate for the rest of the population, only 1 in 11crimes against older people result in the perpetratorfacing justice. If older people are to feel safe, they need tobe reassured that when they are victims of crime, theircase will be taken seriously and justice will be done.

To act as a real deterrent for others, the perpetrator ofcriminal acts against the elderly must be punished moreseverely to act as a real deterrent for others.That is whythe DUP has consistently called for mandatory minimumsentences for those who commit violent crimes againstolder people.Minimum tariffs must be set at a level thatprovides a real deterrent and gives older people thecomfort that they will not be the victims of crime and ifthey are that the perpetrator will be sufficiently punished.

The DUP supports initiatives in District Councils toeducate older people about their rights when they face orare confronted with elder abuse.More and more olderpeople are being placed under pressure to part with theirmoney and property; very often it is family members whoare abusing their elderly relatives.District Councils musteducate older people in their area, but the Assemblymust also legislate to set out significant penalties forthose who abuse a position of trust with an older person.

The DUP supports:

• Measures that make older people feel safe and allowthem to contribute to their community.

• Measures designed to increase clear-up rates for crimesagainst the elderly.

• Mandatory minimum sentences for those who attackolder people.

• Education and legislation aimed at helping older peoplefacing elder abuse.

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Animal crueltySince 2012 the care of domestic animals has been theresponsibility of local government.Recent court caseshave served to highlight the fact that not enough isbeing done to protect animals in Northern Ireland.

Officers dealing with animal cruelty in District Councilsmust be given the necessary legislative tools and properresources to tackle the problem.

The DUP will work across District Council areas, withcharities and voluntary groups to ensure a coordinatedeffort is put in place to eradicate animal cruelty inNorthern Ireland.

The DUP supports:

• Stronger legislation being introduced, setting minimumsentences for cases of animal cruelty brought before thecourts.

• Money being made available within council to properlyresource the work of Animal Welfare Officers.

• Measures that allow abused animals to be rehomedwithout delay.

• Education for young people in schools on responsibleanimal ownership.

Dog fouling The DUP recognise that dog fouling is a major issue formany of our towns and cities. It is the most offensive typeof litter on our streets and it is consistently raised as apublic concern.

DUP Councillors:

• Support the greater use of poovers and othertechnologies in your area.

• Increase dog warden patrols.

• Continue to promote responsible dog ownershipthrough education in schools and the community andvoluntary sector.

• Have a zero tolerance approach towards dog fouling.

Parking schemesFor communities to thrive, local small businesses needto be placed at the heart of the area.Too often localbusinesses are unable to survive because they havebecome inaccessible.That is why the DUP in Belfast haveproposed flexibility in parking.The high numbers ofparking tickets issued in urban shopping areas has causeda downturn in economic activity.People need to beencouraged to shop local.

In many busy areas where on-street car-parking is inscarce supply there are large car parks available that areattached to churches and community halls.The DUPbelieves that these spaces could be utilised to helpalleviate the shortage of parking that exists.

• The DUP support creative ways to get people shoppingin small and medium businesses throughout NorthernIreland.


7.5 Working Together The DUP understand the importance of getting thingsdone.That means we all have to work together to keepNorthern Ireland moving forward. To deliver the bestservices, lower rates and improved infrastructure, willrequire working with others at a local level and betweenlocal government and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The key to delivering the best possible service at localgovernment will be to work with other branches ofgovernment and across political parties, as well asworking with the local community.

Your DUP Councillors will:

• Work across District Council areas to maximise savingsand encourage efficiency.

• Work with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensuredelivery, especially on infrastructure projects.

• Work alongside local communities to ensure theirinvolvement in decision-making process and to deliverprojects for the benefit of local communities.

• Work with other representatives to get things done.

Working WithinDistrict CouncilsThe new District Councils will require more decisions tobe taken by Qualified Majority Voting.This will requiregreater co-operation within District Councils to get thingsdone.We will work to ensure the best possible outcomefor all of the people across a council area and will not beafraid to take the tough decisions in the best interests ofeveryone.

Taking tough decisions does not mean compromising ourculture.Unlike others, we will not allow the republicanagenda to dominate District Councils.We will work withother unionists to ensure the symbols and culture ofunionism are promoted and preserved.

The DUP will not be afraid to take tough decisions.

Working acrossCouncil AreasThe new District Council areas provide a uniqueopportunity to make savings by working together.Theincreased size and the greater equalisation of populationsmean real economies can be made in sharing servicesand procurement.The DUP will work across councils toensure that efficiencies can be made and we will ensurethat these savings are passed on to the ratepayers.

Working across council areas provides the opportunity toplace infrastructural investment at the heart of localgovernment.Investment in infrastructure and capitalprojects is essential to sustain our economic recovery.Thiswill provide a short-term boost for the local constructionsector.It will also deliver longer-term benefits in economicregeneration through better roads,better businessfacilities,helping attract foreign direct investment andstimulating economic growth.With the new powers andincreased size, local District Councils,working together canbe at the heart of economic change.

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The increased size of District Councils provides hugepotential to invest in local infrastructure projects.Theincreased rates base, planning powers, greater borrowingcapacity and the power of community planning give localgovernment the tools to make changes not accessible tothe Stormont Executive; but only if we work togetheracross council areas.That is why the DUP will press forshared services across council areas. We believe that thenew 11 councils provide ample opportunity to worktogether to improve efficiency.

That is why the DUP will work to ensure that each DistrictCouncil will produce its own long-term infrastructureinvestment plan within the first year in which the councilis fully functioning.These infrastructure plans will bejoined up across District Council areas, to ensuremaximum impact and full economic potential.

• The DUP will ensure that by working togetherefficiencies and savings are made for the benefit ofeveryone across all council areas in Northern Ireland.


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