Tactical voting a mistake: DUP

“In some constituencies there are unionists who are tempted to vote for nationalist candidates, and in particular the SDLP. It is worth considering the actions of that party before making such a decision,” he said.

“In the last few months the SDLP has failed to work with other parties to rename the McCreesh Playpark in Newry, they have voted to ban the sale of poppies in the Mid Ulster Council and have forced an Irish first policy through in a number of other councils.

“The SDLP believes that it is able to rely on a number of unionists to vote for them in certain constituencies.

“Given the actions of that party however people may wonder exactly what the difference between the SDLP and Sinn Fein actually is.

“We want to see a strong team of DUP MPs returned to Westminster who will stand up for Northern Ireland in Parliament and work to strengthen the Union.

“It is unfortunate that others have made it clear that they will work with parties such as the SNP to advance the breakup of the United Kingdom and whose actions at home make it clear they have little regard for the unionist community in Northern Ireland either,” he said.