Hague joins local unionists to launch election manifesto

During his speech, Mr Hague reaffirmed his party’s commitment to Northern Ireland, stressing that David Cameron “will never be neutral on the union.”

The Shadow Foreign Secretary said that the Conservative and Unionists are the only party to have a clear plan to re-balance the Northern Ireland economy to end its over-dependence on the public sector, while also protecting key frontline public services. However, political opponents of the Conservatives and Unionists have claimed that the Tories’ proposals could lead to “brutal cuts to vital public services” here.

Standing alongside UUP leader and South Antrim candidate Reg Empey, Mr Hague said: “Without doubt we have the strongest and most able team of any political party in Northern Ireland at this election. And each of them is ready to serve as tireless champions for the people of Northern Ireland at the heart of the union in Westminster.

“We are the one truly national, United Kingdom party standing in Northern Ireland at this election.”

During his address, Mr Hague set out the Conservatives and Unionists’ plans for repairing the economy, reforming local government, improving schools and policing, and putting Northern Ireland at the heart of the union.

“This Conservatives and Unionists manifesto - a manifesto for a government of the entire United Kingdom - signals that the days are past when Northern Ireland was relegated to the window ledge of the union,” Sir Reg Empey added.

Speaking after the launch, East Antrim candidate Rodney McCune commented: “On Thursday, May 6 people across the UK will have the chance the vote in a new government and a new Prime Minister. The only way people in East Antrim will have a say in that decision is by voting for myself, an Ulster Unionist who will have an opportunity to participate in the make-up of that Westminster government.”