'MPs must be free to put Northern Ireland first' - says Simpson

Speaking of the major issues that are still decided at the House of Commons David Simpson said:

“Many issues are decided at Stormont but many others such as tax, the economy, pensions, benefits and fuel duty are decided at Westminster. Northern Ireland needs MPs who are not in the pocket of other political parties and are therefore able to put Northern Ireland interests first.

“None of my opponents are in a position to do this.

“For example the Sinn Fein candidate would refuse to even take his seat. The SDLP are in partnership with Labour and the Alliance are in partnership with the Lib Dems.

"The Tory/UUP Candidate has as an up front, advance condition of his candidacy, already gifted his vote to the Tories, agreed to toe the Tory party line and do the bidding of the Tory whips.

“It is already being speculated that the Tories could impose massive cuts on the entire Northern Ireland budget up to 15% of the total, while under Labour we would be looking at a double digit cut in the budget.

“It will be vital that Northern Ireland MPs are free to put Northern Ireland issues top of their list of priorities and put Northern Ireland interests first.”

He went on: “The DUP is only one of the major political parties in that position. Given the likelihood of a very weak incoming government now is precisely the wrong time to have gifted away your flexibility and latitude when it come to key budgetary decisions.

“I am asking for Upper Bann to send me to the House of Commons mandated to put Lurgan issues above those of London or Luton, Waringstown above Wigan, Dollingstown and Donaghcloney above Durham and Derby and Magheralin above Maidstone..

“The next few years will be economically challenging, it is essential that political representatives know where their priorities lie.”