Robinson launches Simpson's Westminster campaign

Asking for a massive vote of support for the outgoing MP Mr Robinson said: “After generations of conflict, Northern Ireland is moving in the right direction. The General Election will be another important decision day for Northern Ireland. While the issues may be complex, the choice will be simple. Do people want to see Northern Ireland continue to move forward to a better future or do they want to go back to the bad old days of the past?

“Just five years ago in 2005 we were entrusted with a strong mandate to deliver for the people and today Northern Ireland is a better place because of it. It has been a challenging but ultimately a rewarding experience. The truth is that in politics there are not always easy answers and sometimes there are unpalatable choices to be made.

“The thorny issue of policing and justice has been an impediment to the operation of devolution, but even though it took a long, long time to resolve, we were right to hold out until the conditions were right.

“We have ensured that there will be no Sinn Fein Justice Minister. Despite what some have said, that is not something that we can guarantee just until 2012, but for as long as we remain the largest unionist party.

“We have ensured that for the first time in decades local people will be in charge of a Justice Department whilst the independence of the Chief Constable and the Judiciary is upheld and maintained.

“At this election I am asking the people of Upper Bann to vote for David Simpson for unionist unity, for strong positive unionist leadership, for the best long term strategy for Northern Ireland, for the best deal at Westminster for Northern Ireland and to keep Northern Ireland moving forward.

“At election time politicians mostly apply the campaign tactic of asking voters to vote against something - against some policy or some person. But not this time. This election is about Ulster's future. This time I want the people of Northern Ireland to vote for something. I want you to vote ‘Simpson X’ to keep Northern Ireland moving forward.”