On the hustings

Election to the assembly takes place on Wednesday 26 November

BBC News Online takes a look at the political statements in the election campaign to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Tuesday 11 November 2003

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Iris Robinson, DUP, Strangford

The DUP are committed to improving healthcare. As a result of the Ulster Unionist's desire to share power with Sinn Fein/IRA, our health service has suffered. The Belfast Agreement has damaged the NHS. We are committed to addressing waiting lists which have escalated to intolerable levels under Bairbre de Brun. Waiting times are among the worst in Europe.

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Lord Kilclooney, UUP, Strangford
Following today's announcement that the Irish Cabinet is expected to discuss the final wording of the exemptions to the controversial smoking ban before they are sent to Brussels, I am calling for the ban not to be extended to Northern Ireland, making it an "All-Ireland Ban". This is the Nanny State going too far. I hope the NIO confirm that there is no intention to apply this ban in Northern Ireland.

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Mark Durkan, SDLP, Foyle
The SDLP goal in this election is not merely to secure a mandate to stop this society from the backward slide the DUP and other 'no' men want. We are seeking a mandate to ensure our society will only take forward strides. We are determined to end the "post code lottery" that has disadvantaged so many people across the North. No one should have to endure second rate public services because of where they live.

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Seamus Close, Alliance Party, Lagan Valley

The DUP have a lumbering battle bus. The Ulster Unionists have a Mini. The Women's Coalition have a vintage Morris Minor to promote their message. I have 'one of the sexiest cars around', with an 'ability to seduce'. That's why I'm streets in front.

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Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, Mid-Ulster

The peace on our streets this summer happened because republicans and unionists worked together to make it happen. Dialogue and engagement delivered real benefits at the interface areas. At a wider level, the dialogue between Sinn Fein and the UUP is the basis for future progress.

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Julian Robertson, Conservatives, North Down

It really is rather stupid to claim we 'paraded' Quentin Davis in our election broadcast only to see him replaced... What John (Dallat of the SDLP) is witnessing is a rejuvenated and confident Conservative Party getting its act together.

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