Progress made by 'real leaders' - Paisley Jnr

"It has been an intense period of negotiations for Northern Ireland and the prize of securing a better way forward remains the goal of any sane person who cares about our country.

"It is useful to consider the Hillsborough deal and recognize that in summary Unionism continues to advance whilst nationalism and republicanism gains very little.

"It convinces me that if unionists pooled their collective weight we would be unstoppable and unchallenged.

"In summary then the deal secures the following;

1• There will be no sinn fein control of policing and justice.

2• There will be no SF Justice Minister.

3• There will be NO Irish Language Act.

4• There will be NO new North-South Bodies 5• The Parades Commission will not be in place next year.

6• Outstanding Issues such as Education will be addressed and the working of Government will be improved.

7• Additional resources for the Police and the Courts have been secured 8• There will be no jumping ahead - parades will be completed in the same way as policing. There is a timetable for parades legislation to be completed. 9• Failure of other parties to keep their commitments will have consequences.

10• As part of our consultation the UUP will be required to support the transfer of powers.

"Together these results mean that unionists ought to be satisfied to move forward and progress matters with confidence.

"Having additional financial resources will benefit the general policing of my constituency. What is more part time reserve officers will be able at last to share in 20 million severance pay that was previously not available to them.

"In terms of parades I believe that the programme of changes scraps the parades commission - a manifesto commitment delivered - it has been welcomed by the marching orders already and offers a new and better process. It also throws down the challenge to republicans that if they are serious about progress they will end disturbances at parades.

"All in all unionism is making

beneficial strides forward. Any criticism is emotional and un-factual. I hope this statement helps people see the progress that is being made by real leaders."