'Positive message on the doorsteps' says Hamilton

“There is a desire from the voters for a new wave of progressive politicians who are focused on the future, and not rooted in the past.

"The people of Upper Bann recognise that our society is changing and in 2010 our society faces new challenges on the economy and immigration, as well as in welfare, health and education. Upper Bann is no longer a single issue constituency and upper Bann needs an MP who is in step with his constituency.

"I’m finding on the doorstep people want to engage, they want to discuss the issues effecting all our lives, they want politicians to tell them what they need to know, not what they think they want to hear.

The people of Upper Bann want to vote for something they want, not out of fear for something they don’t want.

"Upper Bann constituency needs an MP who will have a voice in Westminster and who shares their concerns.

"So if I could summarise my belief of what’s required by the next Upper Bann MP, into three words, they would be tolerance, change and accountability.

"Tolerance for the varied and valued opinions of colleague and competitor alike and the recognition that change brings opportunity and, if I am elected, I will be accountable only to the voters of Upper Bann.”