PUP calls for 'regeneration funds'

Party leader David Ervine launched the manifesto

The Progressive Unionist Party has unveiled five principles which it said will govern its approach to politics in the next assembly.

Launching its manifesto in east Belfast, the PUP said special funds should be released by the Northern Ireland Executive to help regenerate sectarian flashpoint areas.

Party leader David Ervine said: "The funds would be aimed at strengthening and building up confidence in communities to the point where they are prepared to engage rather than turn their face away from those with whom they refuse to share space with.

"We have had the quietest summer in 30 years. Why don't we build on that by putting resources into after schools clubs, schemes to improve the environment, community based initiatives, capacity building?

"If there is local input that will build confidence to the point that people in interface areas have pride in who they are."

The main points of the PUP manifesto include:

Reforming post-primary education, the reintroduction of student grants, increased pre-school provision especially in disadvantaged areas

Tailoring of health services to meet community needs, with social work teams and family centres

Well resourced housing programs for tackling homelessness, overcrowding and despair

Selective intervention to retain and expand the local economic base, inward investment strategy for disadvantaged areas and increased support for research and development

An effective and representative police service to defend the law and protect the innocent, with respect between the police and community helping the process of change

Maintaining Northern Ireland's place within the Union and work by all democratic means to ensure there is no change in status