'Hung parliament could be beneficial'-Campbell

The DUP man says the prospect of a hung parliament after the next General Election holds possibilities for East Londonderry because of his representation at Westminster.

Mr Campbell said: "Opinion polls since Christmas have meant that the possibility of a hung parliament after the General Election is being increasingly talked about as a realistic outcome. That possibility raises even further the need for Northern Ireland and for East Londonderry to have a strong voice in Parliament. "

"People in Limavady and Coleraine have borne the brunt of the economic downturn and it is vital that everything is done to revitalise the economy not just in this area, but right across Northern Ireland. For East Londonderry therefore it is vital that we have the resources necessary not just to help move our economy forward, but to ensure that necessary public services have the support they require given the pressure they are already under. "

Mr Campbell says if proposed Conservative cuts to the Northern Ireland budget go ahead, it will be necessary to for MP's from here to maximise their influence within the next Parliament.

He continued: "You have absolutely no influence if you will simply be told how to vote by a Conservative Party whip because your party has sold its influence in return for Lord Ashcroft's support for the election campaign. "

"I have always sought to maximise Northern Ireland and East Londonderry's influence at Westminster and I believe that people will have the ability to ensure that continues. The Conservative Party have said they will cut the money available for the Northern Ireland budget and that will mean less money for our roads, our schools and our hospital. No-one will ever whip me to vote against the best interests of the people I represent. "

Mr Campbell concluded: "A hung parliament will be a good opportunity for East Londonderry, providing there is someone in Parliament who is there to fight for the people of this constituency and who are free to exert the maximum influence for Northern Ireland as a whole and East Londonderry in particular."