Now time to deliver on bread and butter issues

Well, here are the facts:

The DUP's approach to the Hillsborough Deal was to say No until there was a fair deal on the table, which would deliver for unionists, on the issues important to unionists. During these negotiations, the DUP stood firm and did not cave to deadlines from Sinn Fein.

The DUP has honoured its commitment on parading, a timetable has been set up for new parades legislation to be completed and the Parades Commission will be gone by the end of the year. We will have a new start, a new system and a new structure.

The DUP has honoured its commitment to devolve Policing and Justice when the time is right, and the operational independence of the Police and the Courts remains intact. They have successfully negotiated a financial package of 800 million which includes substantial provision to compensate RUC officers who suffered hearing loss, to recognise the immeasurable contributions of part- time police reservists and to protect around 1200 front line jobs.

To answer critics, there will be no Sinn Fein control of policing and justice, no Sinn Fein Justice Minister, no Irish language Act and no new North-South bodies.

The TUV approach of saying no to everything has been tried before and did not work for Unionists. The UUP approach of saying yes to anything has been tried before and did not work for Unionists. The DUP approach of saying no until there is a fair deal on the table is what delivers for Unionism.

Nobody is arguing that the current arrangements are perfect – indeed, much more work, time and effort is required. However, while others are content to hurl abuse from the sidelines, I am confident in the ability and commitment of the DUP to represent and defend my interests as a unionist.

It is now time for the Executive to collectively deliver on the bread and butter issues and build a better future for Northern Ireland.

Yours etc.,

DUP Supporter

(name and address supplied).