DUP in appeal for voters to look at the bigger picture in NI

The party said matters being dealt with internally which became public were “unfortunate” and said a number of issues had needed to be resolved.

“Inaccurate references and incorrect figures had been used in statements which made any resolution impossible,” the party said. “These negative strategies only serve to damage previously good relationships. We are determined to continue doing what those who vote for us want us to do, keep building for the future and ensure that republicans are not allowed to re-write the past.

“The main focus in the next few months will be the Assembly election, while SF are bringing back Martin McGuinness to the Foyle constituency to try and gain an extra seat every Unionist will know that this must not happen at the expense of the one Unionist seat in the area. The bigger political picture must not be obscured by petty difficulties. Northern Ireland needs Arlene Foster to be the First Minister after May, so the local Party has united behind Gary Middleton MLA as the person to retain the Unionist seat.

“The recent well attended Association meeting was unanimously of that opinion, he increased the Party’s vote yet again at last year’s General Election,” the party said.

This was despite when they called “local problems” and two other Unionist candidates in the field.

“We look forward to the wider Unionist community uniting behind him once more.”

The statement was jointly issued by Gregory Campbell MP, Lord William Hay, Gary Middleton MLA, Alderman Drew Thompson, Ald Hilary McClintock, Ald David Ramsey, Ald Graham Warke and Niree McMorris, Office Manager.