DUP Manifestoes for #EP14 and #LE14
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DUP Manifestoes for #EP14 and #LE14
- 1. Standingupfor NorthernIreland inagrowingEU Moreefficient LocalGovernment Backingbusiness andjobcreationin theNorthernIreland economy Fightingfora fairdealforfarmers andfishermen IncreasingEUfunding inNorthernIreland Promoting fundamentalrights European and Local Government Manifesto 2014 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:46 Page 1
- 2. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:46 Page 2
- 3. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:47 Page 3
- 4. 4 Message from DUP Party Leader Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLA Forjustover40yearsourrelationshipwithEuropehas beenconstantlychanging.Moreandmorepowerand authorityhasbeentransferredfromtheUKtoBrussels, yettheBritishpeoplehavenotbeengivenasaysince 1975.ItistimetheBritishpeoplewereallowedtovoice theiropiniononwhattypeofrelationshipwehavewith theEuropeanUnion.ThatiswhytheDUPandourMEP DianeDoddshavecampaignedforareferendum.Avote forDianeisavoteforchange. WhiletheDUPadvocateschangeinEurope,thiselection marksthestartofanewerainlocalgovernment.The implementationofnewlargercouncilareaswillprovide savingsforratepayersandbetterservicesforeveryone throughoutNorthernIreland. Thechangesinlocalgovernmentboundarieswillnotalter theDUP’sconsistentrecordofdelivery.Wewillbuildupon thesuccessfulconstituencyservicebuiltupbyour Councillors,MLAsandMPsovermanyyears.Wewill continuetoworktowardsthedeliveryofyetmore streamlined,responsiveandefficientgovernment. Despitetheglobaldownturn,theDUPhascontinuedto deliveronalocal,nationalandEuropeanlevel.Ourparty’s proudhistoryoflowtaxation,demonstratedovermany yearsinDistrictCouncils,willcontinue.Bothinsettingthe regionalrateandthedistrictrateourpledgeremainsthe same:wewillcontinuetoworktodeliverthelowest householdbillsintheUK. InEurope,ourMEPwillnotbeconstrainedbythenational interestofEuropeanpartygroupings.Dianehasaproud recordofbeinganindependentvoice,puttingNorthern Irelandfirst.Whileothershavebeenconstrained,Diane hasbeenabletospeakoutforthefarmers,fishermen, businessleadersandpeopleofNorthernIreland.Diane willcontinuetobeyourindependentvoiceinEurope. Inour2014manifestotheDemocraticUnionistPartyis settingoutourplansandprioritiesforEuropeandthe newDistrictCouncils.Onthe22ndofMay,withyour supportwewillcontinuetokeepNorthernIreland movingforward. Northern Ireland will go to the polls on the 22nd of May to elect Members to the European Parliament and Councillors for eleven new District Council Areas. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:48 Page 4
- 5. 5 Your MEP – Diane Dodds DianegrewuponasmallfamilyfarmoutsideRathfriland inCountyDownandwaseducatedatAnnaclonePrimary School,BanbridgeAcademyandQueen'sUniversity. A teacherbyprofession,DianequalifiedfromStranmillis CollegebeforetakingupapostatLaurelhillHighSchool inLisburn,whereshetaughtHistoryandEnglish,aswell aspupilswithlearningdifficulties. PriortoherelectiontotheEuropeanParliament,Diane hadbecomethefirstunionistinagenerationtowinan AssemblyseatinWestBelfast.In2005,shewaselected toBelfastCityCouncilwiththehighestindividualvoteof anycandidateacrossNorthernIreland. Asanon-attachedMEP, Dianesuccessfullynegotiatedfull membershipoftheEUAgricultureandRuralDevelopment Committee.Inthisrole,shehasfoughttogetthebestdeal forourfarmers,theenvironmentandthewiderrural community.ShealsosecuredrepresentationontheEU FisheriesCommitteeandinthispositionauthoredtwo piecesoflegislationthatnowgivelocalfishermengreater flexibilitytofishcodstocksintheNorthSea. InEurope,Dianehasmadeitaprioritytoexposethered tapeandcostlypracticesthatstrangleourbusinesses andpickthepocketsofourtaxpayers.Sheisaleading memberontheSteeringGroupoftheSingleSeat Campaign,whichaimstomakesavingsof €200million everyyearbybasingtheParliamentinonelocation. Dianehasalsochampionedreligiousfreedomson theEuropeanstage,fightingthecornerofChristians persecutedacrosstheworldthroughspeechesand seminars.SheisalsoamemberoftheParliament's DelegationforRelationswithIsrael. DuringherfirsttermasanMEP, Dianeidentifiedaneed toincreasethelevelofEUfundingcomingintoNorthern Ireland.Shehaspublisheda‘SignpoststoFunding’ series,comprisingfourdirectoriesthatoutlinedifferent opportunitiesforbusinesses,faith-basedorganisations andcommunitygroups. Athome,Dianeisakeensupporterofmanycharitable causes.ShehasvolunteeredfortheRoyalBritishLegion's PoppyAppealandhasfundraisedforseveral organisations,includingtheFriendsoftheCancerCentre, anti-humantraffickinggroupNoMoreTraffikandthe MandevilleUnitatCraigavonAreaHospital. WhennotworkinginBrussels,StrasbourgorherLisburn office,Dianeenjoysspendingtimewithherfamilyat home,andespeciallythenewadditiontothefamily, hergrandsonHenry. After serving the people of Belfast for more than 10 years, Diane was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in May 2009. She serves on the EU's Agriculture and Fisheries Committees, and has published four directories signposting businesses, community groups and churches to European funding. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:48 Page 5
- 6. 6 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:49 Page 6
- 7. 7 1Northern Ireland Moving Forward DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:49 Page 7
- 8. 8 Under DUP leadership, Northern Ireland has been moving forward. We are the only party standing up for Northern Ireland in Europe, Westminster, the Assembly and District Councils. Unionism united at every level of government is Unionism that is confident and strong. In this election it is important that the Unionist vote is not shredded and a strong Unionist voice is heard. Only the Democratic Unionist Party offer a united Unionist voice. Ourrecordisoneofstandingupforbusiness.Thatiswhy wehavesavedbusinessesmillionsofpoundsthrough Industrialde-ratingandtheSmallBusinessRatesRelief Scheme.Foroureconomytoberebuilt,anenvironmentfor businessestothriveneedstobecreated.Thatiswhythe DUPplacedtheeconomyandjobsattheheartofrecovery. Muchhasbeendone,butmorestillneedstobeachieved. Wecannotaffordtobecomplacent.Thatiswhyavotefor theDUPisavotetobuildonthefoundationwhichhas beenlaid,andtokeepNorthernIrelandmovingforward. ButUnionismmustbevigilant.Theexposureofthe “OntheRuns”administrativeschemehasonlyservedto provethatmoreworkneedstobeundertakentomove NorthernIrelandforwardtoapeacefulsociety.TheDUP willnottoleratethediminutionofjustice.Whilesome contentthemselvesbyonlymakingstatementsof condemnationtheDUPwantstogetsomethingdone forvictims. Aswemoveforward,wedosointheknowledgethatat notimeinourlifetimehastheunionbeenmoresecure. Butthisshouldnotleadtocomplacencyandmoreneeds tobedone.TheDUPistheonlypartywithastrategyto leadNorthernIrelandintoitssecondcenturymorerobust andstrongerthaneverbefore. Ourrecordstandsforitself.TheDUPhasdelivered. WithoutthestrongvoiceoftheDUPwaterchargeswould havebeenintroduced;rateswouldbehigher;grammar schoolswouldbenomore;studentfeeswouldhave trebledandlegislationwouldhavebeenintroduced redefiningmarriage. Theeconomystandsstrongerbecauseoftheworkof theDUP. OutsideofLondon,NorthernIrelandcurrently attractsthehighestrateofinwardinvestment,morethan anyotherregionoftheUK.Monthaftermonth,our unemploymentratecontinuestofall.Over17,000new jobshavebeencreatedinchallengingeconomictimes. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 8
- 9. 9 On 22nd May a vote for the DUP is a vote for the party standing up for Northern Ireland. A vote for the DUP is a vote to look forward. Over the past decade, the DUP has been the largest Unionist party. Much has changed and more needs to be done. While we remember the past and those who have suffered, this election is an opportunity to once again keep Northern Ireland moving forward. WhileotherUnionistsinthepasthadbeenweakand cavedintoRepublicandemandsandpoliticalside-deals, itwastheDUPthatstoodupforjusticeanddemanded thattheschemeendandthoseresponsiblebeheldto account. ThatiswhytheDUPhasbeenthepartyfightingfor victims.InbothWestminsterandtheAssemblywehave beentotheforeinfightingforthedefinitionofavictim tobechanged.Aclassificationofvictimsthatequates perpetratorsandtheinjuredpartyisnotonlywrongbut alsoimmoral.ThatiswhytheDUPintroducedPrivate Memberslegislationinanattempttochangethelaw. TheDUPwillcontinuetoprovideavoiceforthevoiceless inNorthernIreland. TheDUPistheonlypartynotafraidtotakethetough decisions.Ateverylevelofgovernment,ourMEP,MPs, Ministers,MLAsandCouncillors,arestandingupfor NorthernIreland. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 9
- 10. 10 7wayswe’re keeping Northern Ireland Moving Forward DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 10
- 11. 11 1. Strengthening Unionism SupportforNorthernIreland’spositionintheUnited Kingdomisatanall-timehigh. 2. Securing Relative Peace Whileterroristthreatsremain,NorthernIrelandis enjoyingthemostpeacefuleraformanydecades. 3. Bringing More Jobs Wehaveattractedmoreforeigndirectinvestmentto NorthernIrelandthanatanypointinourhistory. 4. Delivering Lower Taxes NorthernIrelandhasthelowesthouseholdtaxesof anywhereintheUK. 5. Helping Students WehavenotfollowedthepolicyinEnglandofincreasing StudentFeestoover£9,000andhavefrozentheminreal termsforNorthernIrelandhelpingtomakehigher educationavailabletoall. 6. Attracting International Events BecauseoftheprogressthathasbeenmadeNorthern Irelandhasbeenabletoattractsignificanteventssuchas theG8,theWorldPoliceandFireGames,theIrishOpen, theMTVawardsandtheGirocyclingrace. 7. Investing in Health Wehaveinvestedinourhealthservicefacilitiesby openingthenew£270millionSouthWestAcute Hospitalandareprovidingfundingforworktostart onthe£250mnewChildren’sHospital. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 11
- 12. 12 The Right Priorities Standing up for Northern Ireland in a growing EU Backing business and job creation in the Northern Ireland economy Fighting for a fair deal for farmers and fishermen Increasing EU funding in Northern Ireland Promoting fundamental rights A Record of Delivery The 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 to highlight funding opportunities Holds key roles on the European Parliament Agriculture and Fisheries Committees, highlighting the needs of our farmers and fishermen Thousands of constituency cases dealt with right across the Province DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 12
- 13. 13 2Standing up for Northern Ireland in a growing EU DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 13
- 14. 14 A New Relationship with Europe TheDUPbelievesthatourrelationshipwithEuropeis important.However,inthepastthreedecades,therehas beenasteadytransferofpowersfromoursovereign ParliamentatWestminstertothecorridorsandback alleysofBrusselsandStrasbourg. Thesechangeshavebeenhard-feltbypeopleliving acrossNorthernIreland.Localbusinesses,farmersand fishermenhaveallbeensuffocatedbyEUredtapethat determineswhen,whereandhowtheycanwork,while bureaucratsinBrusselscontinuetopickthepocketsof ourtaxpayers.Weliveunderthecontinualthreatof losingmoreandmoreofournationalsovereignty,and witheverydaythatpasses,weappearlessableto controlourowndestiny. DianeDoddsandtheDUPadvocatechangingtheUK's relationshipwiththeEUandwillworktobringabouta newassociationthatprioritisestradeandcooperation, ratherthanfederalismandintegration. EU Referendum Long Overdue TheDUPwillcontinuetocampaignforthepeopleofNorthern IrelandtohavetheirsayontheUK'srelationshipwiththe EuropeanUnion.Wewelcometheannouncementbythe PrimeMinisterthatifelected,hewillholdareferendumon EuropeduringthenexttermofParliament. •Whileourpreferenceistoholdareferendumnow,Diane DoddswillfighttoensurethatadateforapollonEU membershipisannouncedbytheendof2016. •WewillseekacommitmentfromtheLabourPartyandLiberal Democratsthatareferendumwilltakeplaceregardlessofwho holdsthekeystoDowningStreetafterthenextGeneralElection. •WewillencouragearealdebateontheEuropeanquestion inthenexttermandleadcallsforanewrelationshipwith Europewhichpreservesnationalsovereigntyandprevents evercloserunion. LessEuropeanbureaucracyisgoodfortheUK.Itisgoodfor democracyinthiscountryandgoodforbusinessesand householdsacrossourProvince.ThePrimeMinisterhas promisedtobringbackpowersfromEuropeandwhilethis approachistobewelcomed,wewillwaitandwatchtoseehow successfulheisindoingthis. DianeDoddswillremaincommittedtoprovidingavoicefor thoselivingandworkingacrossNorthernIrelandwhohold majorconcernsregardingtheEU. Reforming Europe TheDUPbelievesfundamentalchangesare neededtoensurethattaxpayersinNorthern IrelandreapthebenefitsofgreaterEuropean cooperation. OverthepastfiveyearsintheEuropean Parliament,DianeDoddshasconsistently highlightedtheextortionatecostofEuropeto ourtaxpayers.Shehasalsopubliclyquestioned thelackoftransparencyandaccountabilityin manyEUareas,includingitsnumerousquangos. TheDUPremainsconcernedwithinconsistencies intheenforcementofEUlegislation.While NorthernIrelandisoftenforcedtogoldplate Europeanlaws,weseeothercountriesescape penaltiesfornon-compliance. Inthenewterm,Dianewill: •PursuealevelplayingfieldinEurope. •WorktowardsbuildinganEUthatismore transparent •Seekbettervalueformoneyforbusinessesand householdsacrossNorthernIreland. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 14
- 15. 15 The Cost of Europe TheEuropeanUnioniscostingpeopleinNorthernIreland billionsofpoundseveryyear.TheDUPwillcontinueto opposethehistorictrendofwasteandinefficiencyin Europeandpromotegreatersavings. TheUKiscurrentlyanetcontributortotheEU,aswepay moreintothebudgetthanwegetbackout.Ourannual contributionisintheregionof£19.1billion.Thisismoney fromthepocketsofbusinesses,familiesandhouseholds acrossNorthernIreland. Supporting a Single Seat DianeDoddsandtheDUPwillcontinuetofightfora SingleSeatfortheEuropeanParliamenttoincrease efficiencyandgeneratesavings.Inthepastterm,Diane DoddshasbeenanintegralmemberoftheSingleSeat Campaign'ssteeringgroupintheEuropeanParliament. Shehasaddressedseminarsandco-signedmany amendmentstoEuropeanlegislationcallingforonebase forParliament'sactivities. Atpresent,theEuropean Parliamentsplitsitsworkoverthreelocations;Brussels, StrasbourgandLuxembourg.MEPsmovefromBrussels toParliament'sofficialseatinStrasbourgforoneweek everymonth,costingEUtaxpayers €180million annuallyand €1billioneverysevenyears. Thisarrangementmeansthatalmostthreetimesthe amountofinfrastructure,technicalsupport, communicationsandinterpretingisneeded.Annual costsformaintainingParliamentBuildingsinStrasbourg hitstensofmillions,despitethepremisesbeingclosed for317dayseveryyear. Source:www.singleseat.eu DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:52 Page 15
- 16. 16 Cutting EU Quangos TheDUPwantstoseeacutinthenumberofunnecessary andcostlyEUquangos.Wewillpromotetheabolitionof Europeanbodiesthatduplicatefunctionsofferinglittle endrewardforthepeopleofNorthernIreland. •ThenumberofEUquangoshasdoubledsince2004. •Inthepastthreeyears,spendingontheEU's56 quangoshasrisenbyathird. •In2012alone,thecostofEUquangosreached£2.5 billion. •Underthe2014-2020EUbudget,quangoswillreceive a4%spendingincrease. Annualsavingsofover €400millioncouldbemadeto theEUbudgetbycuttingEUquangos.DianeDoddsand theDUParecommittedtoworkingtowardthisgoalin thenewterm. Transparency and Accountability Inthenextfiveyears,DianeDoddsandtheDUPwillwork tomaketheEuropeaninstitutionsmoretransparentand moreaccountabletothepeopleofNorthernIreland. SpendingonEurope'sunaccountablecivilserviceis unacceptablyhighandissettorisebyalmost2% between2014-2020.ThisincreasecomesdespitetheEU alreadyemploying3,000unelectedofficialswithsalaries ofover €144,000,whilepublicserviceemployeeslose theirjobsorfaceapayfreezeintheUK. Inaddition,despitenotbeingelectedbypeople anywhereinEurope,twenty-eightEuropean Commissionersarealsoresponsibleformuchofthered tapethatweascitizensinNorthernIrelandfaceinour everydaylives. DianeDoddswill: •SeekfairerandmoreproportionatesalariesforEU officials,especiallygiventherecenteconomicclimate. •PushforgreaterspendingcutsinthegrowingBrussels bureaucracyinlinewithnationalausteritymeasures. •Promotealegislativeprocessthatismoredemocratic andtransparent. •Ensurethateffectivepublicconsultationisatthecore ofEUlegislation,inordertoensureaccountability. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 16
- 17. 17 Defending the UK Economy TheDUPopposesanEUbankingunionandbelievesthattheUnited Kingdomshouldretaincompletecontroloveritsfinancialaffairs. WitheverypieceoflegislationthatispassedinBrusselsand Strasbourg,theEuropeanUnionseemstointerferemoreandmore withtheeverydaylivesofpeopleinNorthernIreland.TheDUP continuestobelievethattheUnitedKingdomandotherEU MemberStatesshouldhavegreatercontrolovertheirdomestic policies,includingtheireconomicaffairs. DianeDoddsandtheDUPwillopposefurthereconomicintegration asitneitherrecognises,norsolves,thecauseoftheEU'seconomic problems,thefollyofasinglecurrency. •WebelievethefinancialcrisishasjustifiedtheUK'sdecisionnotto jointheeuro.TheUKGovernmentnowretainstheflexibilitytovary arangeofeconomicpowersandpracticesinordertosparkgrowth. •TheglobaleconomicsituationhasshownthataEuropean monetaryuniondoesnotwork.Theeurozoneproject,whichwas politicallyinspired,isnowincrisis. •WebelievethattheUKshouldnotjoinanEUbankingunion.The UKshouldnothavetosharetheburdenofdebtsaccruedbythe banksoffailingeurozonecountries,suchasGreeceandSpain.We areoftheviewthatNorthernIreland'staxpayersshouldnothave tohelpsolveaproblemthattheydidnotcreate. Preserving UK Foreign Policy TheDUPwillcontinuetodefendtheUK'srighttodevise andgovernitsownforeignpolicy.Wewillresistany attemptstoharmoniseEurope'sdefences. Inthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshasactivelyvoiced oppositiontotheEuropeanExternalActionService (EEAS),whichemploys3,500peopleandcoststaxpayers acrossEuropealmost €500millioneveryyearforitsrole inrepresentingEUintereststhroughouttheworld. WeintheDUPbelievethatthisagencyundermines nationalforeignpoliciesacrossEurope,ataludicrouscost andshouldbeabolished.Wewillpursuethisgoalinthe nextfiveyears. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 17
- 18. 18 No to EU Military Integration TheDUPwillopposeanyformofEUmilitaryintegration andwilldefendtheUK'ssovereignrighttogovernits owndefencesandnationalsecuritypolicy. Dianewill: •OpposeanyplansforanEUMilitaryHeadquarters. •Rejectanyattemptstocentralisetheprocurementof weaponryanddefenceequipmentthroughouttheEU. •LobbytheUKGovernmenttooptoutofanyproposals foracommonEUdefencestrategy. A British Justice System WewillcontinuetodefendthesovereigntyoftheBritish criminaljusticesystemagainstfurtherencroachmentby theEuropeanUnion. DianeDoddshasactivelyopposedtheroleofunelected judgeswithintheEuropeanCourtofJustice(ECJ)and EuropeanCourtofHumanRights(ECHR)inoverruling UKdecisionsonsentencinganddeportation.Shehas spokenferventlyagainstthedecisionoftheECHRlast yearthatwholelifesentenceswithouttheopportunity forreleaseareabreachofhumanrights.Dianebelieves lifeshouldmeanlife. Dianehasalsovotedagainstallattemptsbythe EuropeanParliamenttoadoptacommonEUapproach tocriminallaw.TheDUPwillatalltimesseektopreserve theUK'sdemocraticrighttoprosecute,try,convict, sentenceanddeportonitsownterms. Dianewill: •Continuetoopposetheroleofunelectedjudgeswithin theEuropeanCourtofJusticeandtheEuropeanCourtof HumanRights.Shewilldefendtheindependenceand efficiencyoftheBritishcriminaljusticesystem. • Reject any plans for a single European criminal justice system.She will advocate tough sentencing at a national level. •RejectanyplanstocreateanEUPublicProsecutorto fightfinancialcrime. •Opposefurtherharmonisationofrulesrelatingto immigration,asylumandvisasacrosstheEU. •RejecttheEuropeanCommission'suseofnational justicescoreboardstocomparehowcriminaltrialsare conductedthroughoutEUMemberStates. •Continuetoopposetheludicrousrulingbythe EuropeanCourtofHumanRights(ECHR)givingprisoners therighttovote. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 18
- 21. 3Backing business and job creation in the Northern Ireland economy 21 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 21
- 22. 22 Securing our place within the Single Market TheDUPrecognisesthattheSingleMarketisoneofthe EuropeanUnion'smosttransformativeassets.Wewantto maximisetheeconomicopportunitiesthatitpresentsfor NorthernIreland. AsaregionoftheUK,NorthernIrelandisnowpartofa Europethatisbetterconnectedthaneverbefore,byair, rail,seaandonline.Withbetterconnectivitythereisan inherentpotentialforeconomicgrowth,viathefree movementoflabour,goods,capitalandservices.Diane Doddswantstohelpbusinessesandindividualsinour localcommunitiestoexploitthispotential. WearecommittedtopromotingNorthernIreland's highly-educatedandhigh-skilledworkforceatanEUlevel andshowcasingourregionoftheUKasanhospitable businessenvironmentwithintheSingleMarket. TheDUPwill: •Targetthegrowthpotentialofferedbythefree movementofgoodsandservicesbetweenNorthern IrelandandtherestofEurope. •PromotenewgrowthsectorsinNorthernIrelandsuch astourism,thecreativeindustriesandenergy. •Promotegreaterinvestmentinourairtravel infrastructure,inordertoimproveourpositionwithinthe SingleMarket. •Ensurethateducationalandtrainingqualificationsheld byresidentsofNorthernIrelandareprofessionally recognisedthroughouttheEU. •ProtectNorthernIrelandconsumersandensurethat theyhaveconfidencetoavailofthewideselectionof productsandservicesavailabletothemthroughthe SingleMarket. Trade TheDUPsupportsanexport-ledeconomicrecoveryin NorthernIreland.Wewanttohelplocalbusinessesto identifyexistingandemergingglobalmarketsintowhich theycansupplyindigenousproductsandservicestothe restofEuropeandfurtherafield. WhilewebelievetheUKwouldbebetterequippedto negotiatetradeinitsownright,theDUPwillworkto ensurethatourinterestsareupheldinEUagreements. Overthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshasvotedinfavour ofEUtradeagreementswithcountriesincludingthe UnitedStates,Australia,NewZealandandJapan.These agreementshavereducedbarrierstotradebetween NorthernIrelandandtherestoftheworldinseveral areas,includingagricultureandpharmaceuticals. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 22
- 24. 24 Attracting Inward Investment Despitethecontinuingconsequencesoftheglobal economicrecession,NorthernIrelandhascreatedmore newjobsthaninanyotherperiodinitshistory. Muchofthissuccesshasbeenduetothefactthatour Provincehasattracteddisproportionatelymoreforeign directinvestmentthantherestoftheUK. Manyfirms, includingCitiGroup,AllenandOveryandCocaColahave increasedtheirinvestmentwithinourshores.TheDUPis committedtosafeguardingthisprogressandattracting increasedlevelsofinwardinvestmentinNorthernIreland. InEurope,DianeDoddshasconsistentlydefended NorthernIreland'sEUregionalaidstatus,whichallowsthe Executivetoofferbothforeignandindigenouscompanies financialincentivestoinvestinNorthernIreland.Shewill continuetopressthecasefortheretentionofour100% AssistedAreaStatusinordertoallowcontinued,targeted growthwithintheprivatesector. TheDUPadvocatesthedevolutionofcorporationtax- varyingpowerstoStormont.NorthernIrelandhas becomethemostdesirableplaceoutsideofLondonfor ForeignDirectInvestmentintheUKandwebelievethat havingtheopportunitytolowertherateofcorporation taxwouldprovideourbusinessleaderswithalevel playingfieldonwhichtobettercompetewiththe RepublicofIrelandforinwardinvestmentbymajorglobal companies.WewillcontinuetolobbytheUKGovernment forameasuredandphasedtransferofthesepowers. Supporting Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Smallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)arethevery fabricoftheeconomyinNorthernIreland.TheDUPwants toseeacompetitivebusinessenvironmentinwhichSMEs canthrive,unburdenedbyBrussels. Overthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshasworked tirelesslytorepresenttheinterestsofNorthernIreland's SMEsintheEuropeanParliament.In2012,she collaboratedwiththeFederationofSmallBusinesses (FSB),TheInstituteofDirectors,andConfederationof BritishIndustry(CBI)tolaunch'Signpoststofunding opportunitiesforBusinesses',whichaimedtoassistsmall andmediumsizedenterprisesincombatingtheeffectsof theeconomiccrisis. TheEUalreadyoverlyregulatesNorthernIreland's businesses,determininghow,whenandwherethey operate.Regulationshouldbescaledback. TheDUPwillcontinuetoopposefurtherregulationand seektoprovidestart-upassistanceandaccesstofinance tonewandexistingbusinessesinourcommunities. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 24
- 26. 26 Promoting Research and Development TheDUPbelievesthatgreaterEUfundingmustbe madeavailablebetween2014-2020forresearchand developmentactivitiesinNorthernIreland.This investmentwillallowbusinessesandpublicsector organisationsacrossourProvincetodiscovernew knowledgeaboutexistingproductsandservices,which canthenbeappliedtosparkgrowthinthefuture. Dianewill: •Promotecollaborationbetweenouruniversitiesand SMEstowardstargetedresearchanddevelopmentaimed atencouragingeconomicgrowth. •WorktoimprovethecapacityforR&Dwithinindustry, agriculture,horticultureandbiomedicalsciences. •Supportlocalexamplesof ‘smartregion’modelsacross NorthernIrelandinordertospearheadresearchand innovationandnurturegrowthamongourenterprises. •SupportuptakeoftheEUHorizon2020Programmefor ResearchandTechnologicalDevelopment,aswellas otherinitiativeswhichfundresearchaimedatcreating employmentandincreasingcompetitiveness. Inthenextterm,Dianewill: •ContinuetoadvocateforareductioninAirPassenger Duty. •Supportfarmerswhoaimtodiversifyintotourismby operating holiday accommodation,such as self-catering cottages and caravan camping grounds,or leisure enterprises,through the EU Rural Development Programme. •Encouragegreaterinvestmentinthesharedtourist potentialofNorthernIreland,theRepublicofIreland andWesternScotlandthroughtheEU'sINTERREG Programme.Wewillpromotesharedculturalheritage, suchasprojectsrelatingtoUlster-ScotsorOrangeism. Sustainable Tourism AsNorthernIrelandcontinuestoemergefroma landscapescarredbydecadesofterrorismandpolitical instability,theDUPbelievesitisimportanttoharnessthe cleartouristpotentialunderlyingourProvince'srich naturalandindustrialheritage. InSpring2012,Dianehostedanexhibitioninthe EuropeanParliamenttoshowcaseNorthernIreland's tourismandeconomicpotential. NorthernIrelandhasalreadysomuchtooffertourists fromacrosstheworld,suchasthenewTitanicbuilding andtheDUPwanttobuildonthisprogressinorderto securethebenefitsforourlocaleconomyintimesahead. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 26
- 29. 29 Mobile Data Charges TheDUPwelcomestherecentdecisionoftheEuropean ParliamenttoabolishdataroamingchargesacrosstheEU bytheendof2015.Wearecommittedtoensuringthat consumersandbusinesseshaveconfidencetoexploitthe SingleMarket. Inthenextfiveyears,DianeDoddswill: •Promotemoreflexiblemobilephonecontractsfor consumers,including12monthterms. •Encouragegreatertransparencywithinmobilephone contracts,especiallyinregardtoremovingjargon. •Worktogivecustomerstherighttoendacontractifthe promisedconditions,suchasinternetspeeds,arenotmet. Increasing Access to Broadband TheDUPwillpromotegreaterEUinvestmentinNorthernIreland's digitalinfrastructure.Wewanttorolloutbroadbandservicesand increaseaccesstoICTinordertoallowconsumersandbusinesses tobetterexploittheinternet. Dianewill: •Encouragethecontinueddeploymentofhigh-speedbroadband acrossNorthernIreland,inordertoincreaseaccesstotheinternet andencouragebusinessstart-upsinruralareas. •EncouragegreateruptakeofICTamongexistingsmalland mediumsizedenterprises,inordertoincreaseoperational efficiencyandprovideopportunitiesforexpandingintoonline, cross-bordermarkets. •SourceEUfundingforinvestinginthedigitaleconomyin NorthernIreland,inordertoencouragegrowthandexpansion. •WorkinEuropetocomplementtheworkoftheInvestNorthern Ireland-ledDigitalNorthernIreland2020project. •PromotetheuseofICTbycommunitygroupsandenterprises inthesocialeconomy,inordertohelpreducelevelsofsocial exclusion. •Fosterentrepreneurshiptodevelopnewdigitalservicesand products. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 29
- 30. 30 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 30
- 31. 4Fighting for a fair deal for farmers and fishermen 31 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 31
- 32. 32 Agri food is a key driver of the Northern Ireland economy. It sustains an estimated 100,000 jobs and contributes some £5bn in sales. It is also a key exporter of produce with some £2.6bn in external sales. As a party dedicated to growing the economy and providing jobs and incomes for families we are deeply committed to the sector and the family farms which produce the raw material. Reform of the Common Agriculture Policy Dianehasplayedanactiveroleinthereformofthe CommonAgriculturePolicyasamemberoftheEuropean ParliamentAgricultureCommittee.AsthefirstDUPMEP tohavetheprivilegetoserveasafulltimememberof thecommitteeDianehasworkedtirelesslytoprotectthe interestsofagriculturerightacrossNorthernIreland duringthereformprocess. CAP Budget ThebudgetfortheCAPhasbeenunderconsiderable pressurefromotherpolicyprioritiesintheEuropean Institutions. DianehasworkedwithotherMEPstoensure thatthebudgetforCAPwasmaintainedasmuchas possible. DUPMPshaveworkedtoensurethatNorthern Ireland’spercentageshareoftheoverallUKallocationof theCAPbudgetstayedthesameasinpreviousbudget allocations. Single Farm Payment TheSingleFarmPaymentiscrucialinsupportingfood productionandthewideragrifoodsectorinNorthern Ireland. TheDUPhashugeconcernsaboutthecurrent policyimplicationsofCAPreformontheissueofsupport. HoweverEuropehasdecidedthattherewillcontinueto besupport,buteventuallythiswillbeleviedata commonperhectarepayment.Wewillcontinuetofight forasystemofsupportforagriculturethatprioritises SincebecomingaMemberoftheEuropeanParliament DianeDoddshascontinuouslyengagedwithfarmers andthoselivinginruralareasacrossourProvince. Diane's unwaveringsupportforNorthernIreland’sagricultural sectorhasbeenhighlightedbythenumerouslocalvisits, thedozensofruralroadshowsandthedailyworkcarried outbyadedicatedteaminherconstituencyoffice. InBrussels,asamemberoftheAgricultureCommittee, DianehaslobbiedtheCommission,spokenoutonthe issuesaffectingNorthernIreland’sfamilyfarmsand raisedcountlessquestionsandamendmentstoreports. MostimportantlyDianehasbeenavoiceforfarmerson CAPreform. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 32
- 33. 33 foodsecurityaswellassupportingproductive, sustainableandcompetitiveagriculture. Thiswillinclude asensiblerateoftransitionfromthecurrentsystemto thenewEuropeanproposals Environmental sustainablility TheDUPbelievesinthesensiblemanagementofthe countrysideandthepreservationandprotectionofthe uniqueandbeautifullandscapeofNorthernIreland.We havealwaysopposedtheintroductionofenvironmental measuresinPillar1oftheCAPbelievingthattheseare betterplacedintheRuralDevelopmentaspectofthe policy. Duringthereformprocesswefoughtagainstthe moreunmanageableandharmfulproposalsfromthe Commission. NorthernIrelandisnowinapositionwhere thereareaseriesofenvironmentalmeasuresinPillar1 andalegislativerequirementfor30%ofthePillar2 budgettobemaintainedforagrienvironmentschemes. WebelievethatlocallyDARDshouldreviewitsschemes wheretargetshavenotbeenmetandimplementschemes whichhaveincreasedenvironmentalandclimatebenefit. Young Farmers Scheme ThiselementoftheCAPiscompulsoryandsupportedby theDUP. Startupsinagriculturearemassivelycapital intensive. TheaverageageoflandholdersinNorthern Irelandisaround57years. Inordertogrowthesectorwe needtointroducenewpeople. Thereforewecontinueto fullysupportthisaspectofreform. Red Tape NorthernIrelandcan,quiterightly,takeprideinthe qualityandtraceabilityofitsfood. Howeverfarm businessescontinuetooperateunderacostlyand burdensomesetofrulesfromtheEuropeanInstitutions andindeedourownAgricultureDepartment. Diane Doddshasvotedagainstunnecessarybureaucratic burdenssuchassomeaspectsofsheepEID. TheDUPwill continuetotryandprotectourlocalindustryfromover regulationfromBrussels. Less Favoured Areas / Areas of Natural Constraint TheDUPiscommittedtothecontinuationofsupportfor areasinNorthernIrelandwhereitismoredifficultto makeafinancalreturnfromthelandbecauseofthe naturalconstraintsofthearea. Whilethereisprovision forthispolicytobereviewedwithCAPreformwebelieve thatthisshouldwaitwhilethereisfurtherdiscussionon thesemattersataEuropeanlevel.Wethereforesupport thecontinuationoftheschemethroughoutthePillar2 mechanism. Rural Development Weneedtoseeavibrantruraleconomyandsupport serviceprovisionforruraldwellers. Dianehasbeenboth acriticandadvocateofruraldevelopmentspendingover thepastfiveyears.Certainschemeshavehadapositive impactoncommunitiesandbusinesses,suchasthefarm modernisationscheme,farmdiversificationandsupport forlocalcommunityorganisations.Formanyofthese schemesmoneyhasbeenseverelylimitedandthe schemeshaveoftenbeenoversubscribed. Inthe2007-2013programmeperiodmoneywasslow togetoutonthegroundandtheauditrequirements andadministrativeburdenpushedpeopletowithdraw fromschemes.DianehastakenastandagainsttheDARD Minister’suseofstrategicprojects,manyofwhichhave beenawardedbetween£250,000and£1million.Many ofthesewereapplicationsfavouringcertainsporting organisationsandinitiativeswhichCouncilscouldn’tfund. MovingforwardDianewillaimtoensurethatRural Developmentfundingisdirectedtowardsdriving efficienciesinagriculture,managingthecountrysidewith anemphasisonenvironmentalandclimatebenefitand supportingsustainableruralbusinessestodrivethe economyforward. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 33
- 34. 34 Ifre-electedDianeDoddswill: •ContinuetofightforanimplementationoftheCommon AgriculturePolicywhichwilldeliverforfarmers,the environment,ruraleconomyandruraldwellers. •EnsurethattheEuropeanCommission,conductsasa matterofurgency,areviewofsheepEIDrequirements, thefunctioningofthesupplychainacrossEurope,the designationoftheareasofnaturalconstraint,nitrates andphosphorouslegislationandifnecessarythe implementationoftheCommonAgriculturePolicy, withclearoutcomeswhichwilldeliveramorebalanced approachtolegislation. •WorkwiththeDUPteamatCouncil,Stormontand Westminstertodeliveronreducingtheburdenofredtape onfarmersandagrifoodbusinesses. •ContinuetopromoteagricultureathomeandinEurope toensureconsumersknowthebenefitsofbuyingproduce fromNorthernIrelandandtoopenupnewmarkets. Agriculture and the Environment Thefutureofagricultureandthewidercountryside restsonsustainingandenhancingtheenvironment rightacrossNorthernIreland.Weascustodiansofthe environmentmustendeavourtoensurethenext generationcanenjoythesamebenefits. Overthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshastakenakeen interestinensuringthatCountrysideManagement SchemesfromDARDareaccessibleanddelivertangible outcomesfortheenvironment.Inthenextroundof funding,where30%oftheruraldevelopmentbudget issetasidetodealwiththeenvironmentandclimate changeissues,DARDmustdeliverapolicywhichcaters forall,notjusttheselectfewandprovideeducation notpenalties. OtherGovernmentorganisationsliketheNorthern IrelandEnvironmentAgency-whileimportantto ensurestandardsaremaintained,shouldtakea pragmaticapproachtoinspectionsandenforcement. TheAgencyshouldplaceagreateremphasison educationandraisingawareness,ratherthanasole focusoninspections,todelivergreaterenvironmental benefits.Agreaterunderstandingofthepracticalissues facingfarmersisamust,especiallyinrelationtothe impactweatherconditionscanhaveonfarmbusinesses. Going for Growth GoingforGrowthisanimportantindustryledroad-mapto deliveringgrowthandincreasingprofitabilityforprimary producers.Itisessentialthattheimplementationofthe CommonAgriculturePolicyisusedappropriatelytomeetthe aimsandobjectivesof “GoingforGrowth”. TheDUPrecognises thatwithouttheprimaryproducerwehavenosupplychain. Hencetheimportanceofaslowtransitiontowardsaflatrate protectingproductivefamilyfarmsacrossNorthernIreland. Whileotherssitbackandwait,theDUPthroughArleneFoster hasdeliveredon“GoingforGrowth”throughtheextension ofthegasnetworkacrossNorthernIreland,rollingoutthe agrifoodloanscheme,reviewingtheagrifoodsectorand reviewingthewayinwhichwemarketandpromote agriculturalproducewithintheUKandabroad.Theseactions aredeliveringandgrowingconfidencewithintheindustry. Thisconfidencehasbeenborneoutbythefactthatthereare anunprecedentednumberoffoodcompaniesapplyingto InvestNorthernIrelandforsupporttogrowandestablish newbusinesses.DianeDoddshastakentheleadasanMEP inEuropetofightfortheextensionofthegaspipelinetothe westofNorthernIrelandandtoensureincreasedfinancial assistancecanbeprovidedtosmallbusinesses. TheDUPisalsoawareoftheneedforgreateraccessto broadbandinruralareas.Wearecommittedtobuilding capacityandinfrastructuretoaidbusinessstart-ups,job creationandgrowthinruralcommunities. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 34
- 35. 35 Freedom to fish Seafoodremainsavitalindustrytoourcoastal communitiesandtheDUPcontinuestobelievethat NorthernIreland'sfishingindustry,aswellaswider marineenvironmentwouldbebetterserveddivorced fromtheinterferenceoftheEU'sCommonFisheries Policy(CFP). UntilthatrealityissecuredDianeDoddswill continuetolobbyattheheartofEuropetohelpsecurean economicallyviableandsustainablelocalfishingindustry. DianeandtheDUPhavedeliveredoncommitments madepriortothelastEuropeanParliamentelection. WorkingtogetheratStormont,Westminsterandin Brusselstheyhavemaximisedtheshorttermaid availabletolocalfishermen,whilstworkingtorelievethe disastrousconsequencesofafailedcentralisedfisheries managementregime. Dianehasdeliveredlocalfishingissuestotheheartof Brussels. Beitcodrecovery,annualquotanegotiations, fisheriesconservation,internationalmackereldisputesor themanagementofStrangfordLough,DianeDoddshas madesurethatlocalissueshavebeenraisedatthe highestlevelsintheEuropeanParliamentandCommission. Ifre-electedDianeDoddswill: •ContinuetoadvocatefortheUnitedKingdom's withdrawalfromtheCFP. •Untilwithdrawalissecuredworktoensureproper regionalisationoftheCFP. •Promotetheuniqueaspectsofandsacrificesalready madebyNorthernIreland'sfishingcommunity. •Ensureallthefundingopportunitiesaffordedbythe EMFFaredeliveredtoNorthernIreland'sSeafood industry. •WorkwiththeDUPteamtoremovelocal'gold-plating' ofEUfisheriesregulations. Intheyearsaheadthereformedandregionalised CommonFisheriesPolicybringswithitmajornew challenges,mostnotablythelandingobligation. Thisis accompaniedbytheopportunitiescontainedinthenew EuropeanMaritimeandFisheriesFund(EMFF). Itis essentialthatNorthernIreland'sseafoodindustry's prioritiescontinuetobechannelleddirectlytodecision makersatalllevelsinthefisheriesmanagementchainin afair,butrobustway,justasDianeDoddsandherDUP colleagueshavebeendoingsince2009. MoreoftenthannotitistheFisheriesAdministrationin NorthernIreland(DARD)whohavefailedlocalfishermen, fishprocessorsandancillaryindustries.Theirrigidand sometimesunfairinterpretationofEURegulations, especiallythosethatmightaffordopportunitiestolocal fishermenhaveletourentireseafoodindustrydown. DianeDodds'regularcontactwiththeseafoodindustry hasemphasisedthereisasmuchfrustrationwith DARD's SeaFisheriesDivision,asthereiswiththeCFP. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 35
- 36. 36 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 36
- 37. 5Increasing EU funding in Northern Ireland 37 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 37
- 38. 38 Consolidating Peace TheDUPwelcomesthe€240millionthathasbeen agreedforaPEACEIVProgrammeinNorthernIreland andtheborderregionoftheRepublicofIrelandbetween 2014and2020 TherecanbenodoubtthattheallocationofEuropean peacefundinghaspositivelycontributedtothepolitical progressthatNorthernIrelandhaswitnessedinthepast twodecades.However,inasocietyindeliblyscarredby manyyearsofterrorismandwantonviolence,thelegacy ofthepastmustcontinuetobeconfronted. Innocentvictimsinourcommunitywhohavesuffered themostshouldreceivecomprehensivesupportin rebuildingtheirlives,andwemustensurethatouryoung peopledonotfallvictimtothesamedivisiveinfluences ofthepast. Signposts to Funding DianeDoddsandtheDUPcontinuetoactivelypromote thediverserangeoffundingopportunitiesthatare availabletogroupsandindividualsinNorthernIreland throughtheEuropeanUnion. Overthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshaspublishedfour fundingdirectoriestosignpostrelevantEUfunding opportunitiesforcommunitygroups,businesses, churchesandfaith-basedorganisations.Shehas distributedover50,000copiesandconducted120public informationworkshopsacrossNorthernIreland. Herfirstandfourthfundingdirectories-'Signpoststo fundingforCommunityGroupsandNot-for-profit Organisations'-werelaunchedin2011and2013.They outlinedapproximately80possiblestreamsoffunding fromseveralsources:theEU,corporatebodies, governmentsources,trustsandfoundations.Over40,000 copiesweredistributedNorthernIreland-wideand50 publicworkshopsconducted. TheDUPbelievesthatthePEACEProgrammeinNorthern Ireland,andotherEUfunds,post-2013musthavea strongeconomicfocusinlightoftheglobalfinancialcrisis andshouldincludethefollowingaims; 1.Supportinginnocentvictimsofterrorism. 2.Combatingyouthunemployment. 3.Tacklingsocialexclusion,improvingeducation,skills andlifelonglearning. 4.Supportingtheaimofsharededucation. 5.Greaterinclusionofprojectsinthesocialeconomy, andthosebenefitingwomen,theelderlyandfaith-based groups. 6.Aquickerturnaroundforapplications. 7.Afairallocationofpeacefunding. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 38
- 39. 39 InJune2012,aseconddirectory-'Signpoststofunding opportunitiesforBusinesses'-waspublished,aimingto helpsmallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)offset theconsequencesoftheeconomiccrisis.Over8,000 copiesweredistributed.EUinitiativesoutlinedincluded: •TheEuropeanSustainableCompetitivenessProgramme forNorthernIreland. •TheLeonardoVocationalPartnerships. •TheSeventhFrameworkResearchProgramme Diane'sthirddirectory-'Signpoststofundingfor ChurchesandFaith-basedorganisations'-waslaunched inNovember2012,outliningEUandnationalfunding programmessuchasYouthinActionandtheGrundtvig SeniorVolunteeringProgramme.Sofar,over3,000copies havebeendistributedat30publicseminars. ThroughoutherfirsttermasMEP, Dianehasalsoheld20 publicinformationsessionstoofferpracticaladviceon howtofilloutfundingapplicationformseffectively.She remainscommittedtogettingthemaximumamountof moneybackoutofEuropeforpeoplehereinNorthern Ireland. Funding for the Future TheDUPwillstrivetoraiseawarenessoffutureEU fundingandincreasethenumberofapplicationsfrom worthyorganisationsinNorthernIreland. Duringthepastfiveyears,DianeDoddshassuccessfully assistedtheApprenticeBoysinsecuring£3millionofEU fundingthroughthePEACEIIIProgrammeforitsSiege HeroesMuseumandSharedSpaceVisitorCentrein Londonderry.ShehassuccessfullylobbiedforEUfundsfor theOrangeOrdertodeveloptheresourcesofSchomberg HouseandSloan'sHouse. Currentlyforevery£1.58NorthernIrelandtaxpayerspay intotheEUStructuralFunds,theyreceiveonly£1in return.Thissituationisunacceptable,andweintheDUP wanttothemaximisetheamountofEUgrantassistance receivedbyprojectsworkinginourProvince. Dianewillencourageandassistuptakeofthefollowing EUfundingprogrammes: •PEACEIV •INTERREGVA •Horizon2020 •EuropeanSocialFund •EuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFund •EuropeanRuralDevelopmentFund •ConnectingEuropeFacility •CreativeEuropeProgramme •EuropeforCitizensProgramme •COSME •EmploymentandSocialInnovationFund •ErasmusforEntrepreneursProgramme •FundamentalRightsandCitizenshipProgramme Atatimeofglobaleconomicuncertaintyandhigh unemployment,Dianealsosupportsthecontinuationof theEULifelongLearningProgrammeunderthe2014- 2020ErasmusPlusProgramme. Thisfunding willallowbusinessesandorganisationsthat carryoutvocationaleducationandtrainingtoworkwith similargroupselsewhereintheEUtoimprovetraining, skillsandemployability.Wewanttoseebetteruptakeof thisfundingbyenterprisesinNorthernIreland. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 39
- 40. 40 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:55 Page 40
- 41. 6Promoting fundamental rights 41 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 41
- 42. 42 In the past five years Diane Dodds has used the European Parliament as a platform to raise awareness of the loss of universal freedoms in many societies around the world. She has fought her corner for Christians suffering persecution across the globe, while promoting the rights of the most vulnerable constituent groups in our own society, including children, older people, and those living with disabilities. Wewill: •Worktoensurethataproperdistinctionbetween innocentvictimsandvictim-makersismadeinallpieces ofEUlegislation. •LobbyforgreaterEUfundingforprojectsthatsupport victimsofterrorisminNorthernIreland,theirfamilies, andmarginalisedcommunitiesinthenextprogramming period2014-2020. •Ensurethattheviewsofinnocentvictimsare incorporatedintoanylegislationthatseekstoconsolidate peaceandstabilityinNorthernIreland. Definition of a Victim TheDUPbelievesthattheremustbeacleardistinction betweentheperpetratorofcriminalandterroristactivity andthestatusofaninnocentvictim. IntheEuropeanParliament,DianeDoddshasfoughtto establishthisdefinitionofavictiminEUlegislation.She respondedtoaEuropeanCommissionconsultationona packageofmeasureswhichaimedtostrengthenthe rightsofvictimsofcrimeandviolence. WithinherresponseDianeemphasisedthatanyone injuredphysicallyorpsychologicallyinacrimeforwhich theywereresponsiblemustnotconsideredavictim.She alsorecommendedadistinctionbetweensupportfor victimsofisolatedcrimeandvictimsofaconsistent campaignbyterrorists. InSeptember2012,Dianewaspleasedtovoteinfavour ofEUDirective2012/29/EUwhichsetoutminimum standardsontherights,supportandprotectionofvictims ofcrime.Thislegislationisvitalforsupportingvictimsof terrorismacrossNorthernIreland. Movingforward,Dianewillfighttoensurethatthese rightsareappliedfullyacrossallEUregions. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 42
- 43. 43 Safeguarding Christian Expression TheDUPbelievesthatthefreedomofreligiousexpressionisa fundamentalrightthatshouldbeprotected.InEurope,DianeDodds hasworkedhardtoraiseawarenessoftheplightofmarginalised Christiancommunitiesaroundtheworld. InApril2013,Dianeco-hostedaseminarintheEuropeanParliament alongsideDutchMEP,BastianBelder,topresentthestarkrealityof ChristianpersecutioninNigeria.Theeventallowedvictimsofdirect persecutiontosharetheirexperiencesandoutlinetheeveryday difficultiesthatmanyChristiansinNigeriafaceinthelabourmarket andeducation. Dianehasalsoconsistentlyraisedawarenessofreligiouspersecution inotherpartsofworld,includingChinaandNorthKorea,whichis rankedonTheWorldWatchListasthemostdifficultplaceonearthto liveasChristian. Inthenewterm,shewill: •ContinuetoraiseawarenessofChristianpersecutionincommunities andcountriesacrosstheworld. •Worktoensurethatthepromotionoffreedomofreligionand expressionareatthecoreofallEUlegislation,especiallyinrelationto development,foreignaffairsandemploymentlaws. •EnsurethatChristianvaluesandcelebrationsaregiventheirrightful placewithinthediaryandoperationoftheEUinstitutions. The Right of the Unborn Child TheDUPadvocatestherighttolifeoftheunbornchildandwill opposeanyattemptstoweakenNorthernIreland'slawon abortionatStormont,WestminsterorinEurope. IntheEuropeanParliament,Dianehasconsistentlyfoughtto opposeanyEUlegislationthatwouldpromote,facilitate,or investinabortion.Webelievethatthisapproachreflectsthe viewsofthemajorityofpeopleinNorthernIrelandonthisissue. DianehasvotedinfavourofpreventingfundsfromtheEU budgetgoingtofamilyplanningprogrammeswhichinvolve coerciveabortion.Shehasalsoactivelyopposedthepracticeof sexselectiveabortion,whichisoperatedinseveralcountries, primarilyinAsia. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 43
- 44. 44 Preventing Child Exploitation TheDUPrecognisesthataEuropewhichisbetter connectedbyglobalcommunications,throughthe internetandsocialmedia,isonethatleavesourchildren atagreaterriskfromcriminalsandpaedophiles. IntheEuropeanParliament,DianeDoddshasbeen committedtothefightagainstchildsexexploitation.In 2013,sheco-signedaWrittenDeclarationtohighlight theprevalenceofonlinechildsexualabusecontentand promoteastrategyofinternationalcooperationfor reportingandprosecutingviolations. Childsexexploitationtranscendsnationalbordersand theDUPwillcontinuetolobbytheEuropeanParliament toputinplaceacoordinatedapproachtoassistinglaw enforcementagenciesintacklingthiscrime. Tackling Human Trafficking TheDUPseekstoputinplacerobustlegislationtotackle humantraffickinginNorthernIreland.Wewanttosenda clearmessageacrossEuropethatitisnotacceptableto purchaseandtraffichumanbeingsforsexualexploitation. TheDUPisconcernedthattodateonlytwohuman traffickingconvictionshavebeensuccessfulinthecourtsin NorthernIreland. Webelieveitistimeforaction. InherroleasanMEP,DianeDoddshassoughttoraise awarenessofthegrowingproblemspresentedbytherise intraffickingandexploitationcrimesacrossEurope. Throughoutherterminoffice,Dianehasbackedcallsfor stronglocal,nationalandEuropeanlegislationtotackle thesecrimesandlobbiedtheEuropeanCommissionto providesupportforaffectedvictims. InOctober2013,shehostedaneventinconjunctionwith localcharitiestomarkEUAnti-TraffickingDayandhighlight thelifeofmiseryandexploitationexperiencedbytrafficking victims. Duringthenextfiveyears,theDUPwillpresentNorthern Ireland's proactiveapproachtocombatinghuman traffickingcrimeasamodelforstronger,coordinated legislationonanEU-widebasis.ShewilllobbyforEU fundingforprojectsthatprovidepracticalandpsychological supporttovictimsofhumantrafficking. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 44
- 45. 45 Raising awareness of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus InOctober2012,DianeDoddshostedanexhibitioninthe EuropeanParliamentinStrasbourgtomarkthefirst WorldSpinaBifidaandHydrocephalusDay. Theconferencewasattendedbydelegatesfromthe InternationalFederationforSpinaBifidaandfrom countriesacrosstheworldandaimedtoraiseawareness ofthecondition,whichoccurswhereababy'sspinalcord hasnotproperlydevelopedduringpregnancy. Duringtheevent,delegatesmetwithMEPstodiscuss preventionofcondition,lobbyforequalityoftreatment andsupportservices,andexploreemployment opportunitiesforthoselivingwithSpinaBifida. DianeDoddsandtheDUPremaincommittedto promotingactiveageingamongthoselivinginNorthern Irelandwithdisabilities.Wewillcontinuetofightforan adequatelevelofhealthandsocialprovisiontoallowall insocietytofulfiltheirtransformativepotential. Combating Domestic Violence TheDUPfindsitalarmingthatoneinfourwomenliving intheUKwillexperiencedomesticabuse.Wewantto seeeffectiveandcoordinatedactionacrossEuropeto sendasignalthatviolenceofanykindagainstwomen andgirlsisunacceptableinoursociety. InFebruary2013,DianeDoddsvotedinfavourofa EuropeanParliamentResolutionwhichsetout recommendationsfortheeliminationandpreventionof allformsofviolenceagainstwomenandgirls.Shehas alsolobbiedforadequatesocialhousingtoallowvictims ofdomesticviolencetoproactivelyremovethemselves fromabusiveenvironments. Dianewillcontinuetoopposeallformsofdomestic violenceandpromoteanEUactionplanwhich encouragesprevention,betterprovisionofservicesfor victimsandtoughersentencesforoffenders. Supporting EU Bill of Rights for Cancer Patients TheDUPisastrongadvocatefortherightsofcancer patientsacrossNorthernIreland.InFebruary2014,Diane welcomedworld-renownedcancerspecialistfrom Queen'sUniversity,ProfPatrickJohnston,totheEuropean ParliamentforthelaunchoftheEuropeanCancer Patient'sBillofRights. InNorthernIrelandwehaveseenthedifferencethata comprehensivecancercareandresearchprogrammecan haveonpatientoutcomes.TheCancerPatient'sBillof Rightsaimstoaddressthedisparitiesthatcurrentlyexist incancercarefromoneEuropeancountrytothenext. Thebillofrightsisunderpinnedbythreekeyprinciples thatwefullyendorse: 1.TherightofeveryEuropeancitizentoreceiveaccurate informationandbeinvolvedintheirowncare. 2.TherightofeveryEuropeancitizentoaccessspecialised cancercareunderpinnedbyresearchandinnovation. 3.TherightofeveryEuropeancitizentocost-effective healthsystemsthatensureoptimumcanceroutcomes. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 45
- 46. 46 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 46
- 47. 47 7More Efficient Local Government DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 47
- 48. 48 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: DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 48
- 49. 49 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 be radically reformed. The old 26 District Councils have been merged, and in the case of Belfast, enlarged, to form 11 new District Councils. It is estimated that the merger of District Councils in Northern Ireland will deliver millions of pounds in savings to local ratepayers. As Northern Ireland moves to bigger council areas so duplication of services can be reduced, efficiencies can be made in procurement and more ambitious infrastructure plans 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 people throughout Northern Ireland, keeping rate bills below inflation is essential for us all. DUP Councillors elected to the new council areas are pledged to build on the successful foundation left by their predecessors. The DUP has long been the party of low rates and prevented the direct rule plans for the introduction of water charges. Throughout the darkest days of our history, DUP representatives served the community without fear. That legacy will continue into a new era for local government. Standing Up for Northern Ireland for the long-term Unionismhasbeenontherightpathunderthe leadershipoftheDUP. TheDemocraticUnionistPartyis theonlyunionistpartythathasthestrengthtosucceed inrepresentingtheinterestsofallthosewhowantto keepNorthernIrelandmovingforward. Avoteforthe DUPisavotefortheonlystrongUnionistpartythathasa strategyforthefutureofNorthernIreland. Whateverthedifficulties,whetheraglobaleconomic crisis,austerityorculturalaggression,theDUPhas remainedfocusedonmovingNorthernIrelandforward. Bybuildingourownpoliticalinstitutions,bybuildingour economyandbybuildingonthedesireforasuccessful NorthernIreland,theDUPwilldeliverthegreatestgood forthepeopleofNorthernIrelandwithintheUnion. Thedeceitanddebasementofthe‘OntheRun’letter schemeisareminderofthealternativetodevolution. A reminderofwhatisdonewhenpowerisinthehandsof anyonebutthepeopleofNorthernIreland. On22ndMay,standwiththeDUPasweworktobuild prosperityinNorthernIreland. Standtogetherwiththe DUPforNorthernIreland.Together,Unionismwillbe strong-let’skeepNorthernIrelandmovingforward. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 49
- 50. 50 7.1 Low Rates TheDUPisthepartyoflowrates,whetheritisatStormont, wherethepartyhaskeptratesincreasestonomorethan inflation,orinlocalGovernmentwherethepartyhasled thewayinimplementingratesfreezes.Indeed,inDUP-led BallymoneyandCastlereaghCouncils,rateswerecutthis year,allowingratepayerstokeepmoremoneyintheir pockets. TheDUPiscommittedtoprovidingthebestpublic servicesatthelowestcosttotheratepayer. AsaresultoftheDUP’scommitmenttolowrates,wehave thelowesthouseholdtaxationanywhereintheUK.Average annualhouseholdtaxationinNorthernIrelandis£812, comparedto£1322inScotland,£1433inEnglandand£1633 inWales.Wehaveworkedhardtokeepyourratesdown. GraphshowsaverageratebillsinNorthernIrelandcomparedtototalhouseholdchargesintherestoftheUK 2013/14 ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD BILLS INTHE UK 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Wales £1633 England £1433 Scotland £1322 Northern Ireland £812 The DUP will work hard to keep your household bills down. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 50
- 51. 51 Thatiswhy,sincedevolutionin2007,underDUP stewardshipoftheDepartmentofFinance,increasesin theregionalratehaveeitherbeenzeroorbynomore thantherateofinflation. Thegraphbelowshowsthedifferencethathavinga DUPFinanceMinistermakes. Thereisasignificantdifferencebetweenwhat householdersinNorthernIrelandarepayingandwhat thoseintherestoftheUnitedKingdomarepaying.This representsrealhelpindifficulttimesandisadirectresult oftheworkoftheDUP.Priortodevolution,bothunder DirectRuleandunderanSDLPFinanceMinister,increasesin theregionalratewerewellaboveinflation.Infact,during thelastyearofdirectrule,theregionalrateincreasedby 19%.Thiswasascandalousmovebyunaccountable MinistersthattheDUPwasdeterminedtohalt. 20.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 0.00 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Insteadofhikingupratesandaddingtopressureon familiesandbusinesses,DUPCouncillorswillseektogrow theratesbasebyencouragingnewenterpriseand investmentandbymakingDistrictCouncilareasbusiness friendlyenvironments. WearemakingacontractwitheveryratepayerinNorthern Ireland: EveryDUPcandidateinthislocalgovernment electionispledgedtodeliverlowratestothe electorate. DUP take over Department of Finance in 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. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 51
- 52. 52 Utilising Borrowing Potential TheNorthernIrelandExecutiveisrestrictedfrom borrowingmoneyfromtheEuropeanInvestmentBank (EIB).OurnewDistrictCouncilswillnotfacethis constraint. OurDUPMinisterspledgetoworkwithDistrictCouncils todeliverEIBinvestment.Thisinvestmentwillallow DistrictCouncilstoinvestincapitalprojectswithinand acrosscouncilareas.DistrictCouncilshavethepotential tobedriversforeconomicchange;theDUPatStormont willfacilitateDistrictCouncilsthatwanttoeffectreal meaningfulchangeandattractjobsandinvestmentto theirarea. 7.2 Building the Economy Buildingasustainableeconomywillrequireinnovative andambitiouspoliciesandchangestothewaythings aredone. ForDistrictCouncilstomakemeaningfuleconomic change,Stormontwillneedtoenactfurtherlegislation. ThatiswhyourFinanceMinister,SimonHamiltonMLA, iscommittedtomakingthenecessarychangestothelaw whichwillallowlocalgovernmenttoaccessnewpowers andallowcouncilstoinvestincapitalprojects/economic investment. Planningisoneeconomictoolthatisbeingdevolvedto thenewDistrictCouncils.Theoldplanningsystemwas notoriouslyslowandoftenuncertain.Thedevolutionof planningtoDistrictCouncilspresentsanopportunityfor change,howevertheDUPbelievesthatopportunityhas notbeenfullyutilised.TheDUPdoesnotbelievethatthe currentplanningsystemcandelivertheeconomicchange thatisrequired.FurtheramendmentstothePlanningAct 2011arerequiredtoensurethateconomicconsiderations aregivendueweight.Wewantaplanningsystemwhich isfitforpurposeinchallengingeconomictimes. TheDUPwill: •Worktointroducelegislationwhichwillenablelocal governmenttobetterfundinfrastructureprojects. •Placejobcreationattheheartofplanning. •Worktoensurecommunityplansaremeaningfuland ambitious,anddeliverforpeopleratherthancreatemore bureaucraticmess. Legislative change TheDUPwilldowhatisnecessaryatStormonttoensure thatDistrictCouncilshavetheeconomictoolstheyneed tomakeadifference.DUPFinanceMinisterSimon Hamiltonwillexaminetheneedforlegislationtocreate TaxIncrementFinancing(TIF)andintroduceitifrequired. TIFhasbeenusedinScotlandforcommunityimprovement infrastructureredevelopment.ThewaterfrontinEdinburgh andshoppingdistrictsinGlasgowarebeingoverhauled andredeveloped.TIFallowsthefuturegainsinratestobe utilisedinthebuildingphaseofdevelopment. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 52
- 54. 54 Parading TheDUPbelievesitistimeforanewstartonparades.The DUPbelievesthatanewstartrequires: •TheabolitionoftheParadesCommission. •Theseparationoftheadministrative,mediationand adjudicationroles. •Thesenewstructuresshouldbebasedoninternational humanrightsstandardsandguidelinesfrom organisationsliketheOrganisationforSecurityand Co-operationinEurope. 7.3 DUP – Promoting and defending our symbols TheDemocraticUnionistPartyiscommittedtoupholding andpromotingourplacewithintheUnitedKingdom. NationalistsandRepublicanshaveconcededthat NorthernIrelandispartoftheUnitedKingdomhowever theyhavewagedawaragainsttheflagandsymbolsof thenationofwhichweareapart.Theyfailtorecognise thatsupportforaUnitedIrelandisnowatanalltimelow. DUPCouncillorswill: •Supporttheflyingofournation’sflag,theUnionFlag, 365daysayear. •Defendthesymbolsandemblemsofournation. •WelcomemembersoftheRoyalFamilytoDistrict CouncilsandsupportourArmedForces. The Flag TheDUPsupportstheflyingofournation’sflag,theUnion Flag,365daysayear. ThedisplayoftheUnionFlagistherecognitionofBritish sovereigntyoverNorthernIreland. Itistheprincipleof consentinaction,aprinciplewearetoldthatallsections ofIrishnationalism(northandsouthoftheborder) accept. TheshiftinflagflyingpolicyacrosstheUnitedKingdom inthepastdecadehasbeentowardmorefrequent displaysoftheUnionFlag. TheflyingoftheUnionFlagfromthemaincivicbuilding ofcouncilseverydayacrossNorthernIrelandisarightful andpropermanifestationofBritishness. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 54
- 55. 55 TheDUPsupports: •ThecelebrationofallmajorRoyaloccasions. •Welcomehomeparadesand/orceremoniesforlocal regimentsandthosebasedinNorthernIrelandfollowing overseasdeployments. •Theselectionofarmedforcescharitiesduringtheyears ofservicebyDUPrepresentativesascivicdignitaries. • TheWestminsterGovernmenttoenactthe recommendationintheVeterans’Reviewtomakethe necessarychangestoSection75toenablethefull implementationoftheMilitaryCovenantfor ex-servicemeninNorthernIrelandandallowthemto betreatedequallywiththoseinGreatBritain. Support Our Armed Forces TheDUPhasalongtraditionofsupportingour servicemenandwomen.AtWestminster,Stormontandin localgovernmenttheDUPhassoughttogiveavoiceto thosewhohaveservedourcountry. Thegreatestservicethatcanbegivenintermsof recognitionistoremovethebarrierstotheimplementation oftheMilitaryCovenantforex-servicemen. Withinthe presentlegallimitsDUPMinistershavedonetheirutmost tohelpex-personnel.However,theSection75dutiesthat werepartoftheBelfastAgreementnegotiatedand supportedbytheUlsterUnionistPartyandProgressive UnionistPartyblockthefullimplementationofthe MilitaryCovenant. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 55
- 56. 7.4 Building the Community Asoureconomygrowsitisimportantthatpeopleand familiesfeelthebenefitofrecovery.TokeepNorthern Irelandmovingforwarditisessentialthatwebuildour communitiessothatpeoplebenefit,contributeandfeel safe.ThatiswhytheDUPwillcontinuetoprotecthard workingfamilies,provideopportunityfortheyoungand fightforourolderpeople. TheDUPwill: •Ensurethatolderpeoplefeelsafeintheirhomes. •WorktowardsmakingNorthernIrelandanagefriendly region. •WorktoeliminateanimalcrueltyinNorthernIreland •Continuetoworktokeepourstreetsandcommunity cleanandbyinnovativemeans,freefromdogfouling. Ensuring Older People are treated with respect Whileitisstillstatisticallylesslikelythatanolderperson willbethevictimofacriminalact,theeffectsofcrimeare muchmoreseriousanddetrimentaltophysicalhealth, mentalhealthandgeneralwellbeingofolderpeople. Olderpeopleknowthatthefearofcrimeisonefactor thatmakesthemreluctanttoengagewiththeir communityandtoevenleavetheirhomes. Moreneedstobedonebythepolice.Whilecrimeagainst olderpeopleissignificantlyreducedwhencomparedto otheragegroupsinsociety,theclear-upratesforcrimes againstolderpeoplearesignificantlyworse.Recorded clearupratesforcrimesagainsttheelderlyarearound halftheratefortherestofthepopulation,only1in11 crimesagainstolderpeopleresultintheperpetrator facingjustice.Ifolderpeoplearetofeelsafe,theyneedto bereassuredthatwhentheyarevictimsofcrime,their casewillbetakenseriouslyandjusticewillbedone. Toactasarealdeterrentforothers,theperpetratorof criminalactsagainsttheelderlymustbepunishedmore severelytoactasarealdeterrentforothers.Thatiswhy theDUPhasconsistentlycalledformandatoryminimum sentencesforthosewhocommitviolentcrimesagainst olderpeople.Minimumtariffsmustbesetatalevelthat providesarealdeterrentandgivesolderpeoplethe comfortthattheywillnotbethevictimsofcrimeandif theyarethattheperpetratorwillbesufficientlypunished. TheDUPsupportsinitiativesinDistrictCouncilsto educateolderpeopleabouttheirrightswhentheyfaceor areconfrontedwithelderabuse.Moreandmoreolder peoplearebeingplacedunderpressuretopartwiththeir moneyandproperty;veryoftenitisfamilymemberswho areabusingtheirelderlyrelatives.DistrictCouncilsmust educateolderpeopleintheirarea,buttheAssembly mustalsolegislatetosetoutsignificantpenaltiesfor thosewhoabuseapositionoftrustwithanolderperson. TheDUPsupports: •Measuresthatmakeolderpeoplefeelsafeandallow themtocontributetotheircommunity. •Measuresdesignedtoincreaseclear-upratesforcrimes againsttheelderly. •Mandatoryminimumsentencesforthosewhoattack olderpeople. •Educationandlegislationaimedathelpingolderpeople facingelderabuse. 56 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 56
- 57. 57 Animal cruelty Since2012thecareofdomesticanimalshasbeenthe responsibilityoflocalgovernment.Recentcourtcases haveservedtohighlightthefactthatnotenoughis beingdonetoprotectanimalsinNorthernIreland. OfficersdealingwithanimalcrueltyinDistrictCouncils mustbegiventhenecessarylegislativetoolsandproper resourcestotackletheproblem. TheDUPwillworkacrossDistrictCouncilareas,with charitiesandvoluntarygroupstoensureacoordinated effortisputinplacetoeradicateanimalcrueltyin NorthernIreland. TheDUPsupports: •Strongerlegislationbeingintroduced,settingminimum sentencesforcasesofanimalcrueltybroughtbeforethe courts. •Moneybeingmadeavailablewithincounciltoproperly resourcetheworkofAnimalWelfareOfficers. •Measuresthatallowabusedanimalstoberehomed withoutdelay. •Educationforyoungpeopleinschoolsonresponsible animalownership. Dog fouling TheDUPrecognisethatdogfoulingisamajorissuefor manyofourtownsandcities.Itisthemostoffensivetype oflitteronourstreetsanditisconsistentlyraisedasa publicconcern. DUPCouncillors: •Supportthegreateruseofpooversandother technologiesinyourarea. •Increasedogwardenpatrols. •Continuetopromoteresponsibledogownership througheducationinschoolsandthecommunityand voluntarysector. •Haveazerotoleranceapproachtowardsdogfouling. Parking schemes Forcommunitiestothrive,localsmallbusinessesneed tobeplacedattheheartofthearea.Toooftenlocal businessesareunabletosurvivebecausetheyhave becomeinaccessible.ThatiswhytheDUPinBelfasthave proposedflexibilityinparking.Thehighnumbersof parkingticketsissuedinurbanshoppingareashascaused adownturnineconomicactivity.Peopleneedtobe encouragedtoshoplocal. Inmanybusyareaswhereon-streetcar-parkingisin scarcesupplytherearelargecarparksavailablethatare attachedtochurchesandcommunityhalls.TheDUP believesthatthesespacescouldbeutilisedtohelp alleviatetheshortageofparkingthatexists. •TheDUPsupportcreativewaystogetpeopleshopping insmallandmediumbusinessesthroughoutNorthern Ireland. DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 57
- 58. 7.5 Working Together TheDUPunderstandtheimportanceofgettingthings done.Thatmeansweallhavetoworktogethertokeep NorthernIrelandmovingforward. Todeliverthebest services,lowerratesandimprovedinfrastructure,will requireworkingwithothersatalocallevelandbetween localgovernmentandtheNorthernIrelandExecutive. Thekeytodeliveringthebestpossibleserviceatlocal governmentwillbetoworkwithotherbranchesof governmentandacrosspoliticalparties,aswellas workingwiththelocalcommunity. YourDUPCouncillorswill: •WorkacrossDistrictCouncilareastomaximisesavings andencourageefficiency. •WorkwiththeNorthernIrelandExecutivetoensure delivery,especiallyoninfrastructureprojects. •Workalongsidelocalcommunitiestoensuretheir involvementindecision-makingprocessandtodeliver projectsforthebenefitoflocalcommunities. •Workwithotherrepresentativestogetthingsdone. Working Within District Councils ThenewDistrictCouncilswillrequiremoredecisionsto betakenbyQualifiedMajorityVoting.Thiswillrequire greaterco-operationwithinDistrictCouncilstogetthings done.Wewillworktoensurethebestpossibleoutcome forallofthepeopleacrossacouncilareaandwillnotbe afraidtotakethetoughdecisionsinthebestinterestsof everyone. Takingtoughdecisionsdoesnotmeancompromisingour culture.Unlikeothers,wewillnotallowtherepublican agendatodominateDistrictCouncils.Wewillworkwith otherunioniststoensurethesymbolsandcultureof unionismarepromotedandpreserved. TheDUPwillnotbeafraidtotaketoughdecisions. Working across Council Areas ThenewDistrictCouncilareasprovideaunique opportunitytomakesavingsbyworkingtogether.The increasedsizeandthegreaterequalisationofpopulations meanrealeconomiescanbemadeinsharingservices andprocurement.TheDUPwillworkacrosscouncilsto ensurethatefficienciescanbemadeandwewillensure thatthesesavingsarepassedontotheratepayers. Workingacrosscouncilareasprovidestheopportunityto placeinfrastructuralinvestmentattheheartoflocal government.Investmentininfrastructureandcapital projectsisessentialtosustainoureconomicrecovery.This willprovideashort-termboostforthelocalconstruction sector.Itwillalsodeliverlonger-termbenefitsineconomic regenerationthroughbetterroads,betterbusiness facilities,helpingattractforeigndirectinvestmentand stimulatingeconomicgrowth.Withthenewpowersand increasedsize,localDistrictCouncils,workingtogethercan beattheheartofeconomicchange. 58 DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 58
- 60. Find DUP on Facebook @duponline 91 Dundela Avenue, Belfast BT4 3BU T: 028 9047 1155 PROMOTED AND PUBLISHED BY LORD MORROW OF CLOGHERVALLEY,19 CHURCH STREET,DUNGANNON,BT71 6AB • PRINTED BY JC PRINT LTD,THE MOUNT,2WOODSTOCK LINK,BELFAST BT6 8DD Standingupfor NorthernIreland inagrowingEU Moreefficient LocalGovernment Backingbusiness andjobcreationin theNorthernIreland economy Fightingfora fairdealforfarmers andfishermen IncreasingEUfunding inNorthernIreland Promoting fundamentalrights DUP Manifesto A5 AW8 30/4/14 20:58 Page 60