On the hustings

Election to the assembly takes place on Wednesday November 26

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

Monday 10 November 2003

---

Tom Elliott, UUP, Fermanagh-South Tyrone
I am aware that many sick people, a large section of them from the older generation, have to wait up to a period of two years before a routine home assessment is carried out for Occupational Therapy (OT) requirements. It is obvious that there is a major failure within the health service system that allows this type of time delay within the process.

---

Monica McWilliams, Women's Coalition, Belfast South
The Women's Coalition is certainly seen as different from the men in grey suits of other parties, and that is colourfully shown in our election posters, billboards and leaflets. We are the only party to launch an arts and culture policy so far, but we are also here to make an important political point. People are frustrated with traditional parties and their handling of important political issues.

---

Sean Farren, SDLP, Antrim North
A DUP victory would bury our economic prospects. Foreign investors are about as likely to put their money into a DUP-controlled north as they would into a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The only hope for our economy is to get the agreement 100% up and running. If our economy has spluttered over the last five years it is because of the activities to the 'no' men who have used any and every excuse to shut down the institutions.

---

Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, Mid-Ulster
The story of this election will be the return of Sinn Fein to the assembly as the largest nationalist party. The pro-Agreement electorate recognises that Sinn Fein are the most effective negotiators. For that reason people want to see a Sinn Fein first or deputy first minister. I believe that will happen. We have delivered significant change. Republicans have taken risks for this process and we are asking people to endorse this.

---

Gregory Campbell, DUP, East Londonderry
Politicians cannot wave a magic wand - but we can help to provide the platform from which the economy can develop. We want to see cuts in the costs of rates, insurance, fuel and electricity.

---

Robert McCartney, UKUP, North Down
The pensioners of Northern Ireland are not safe in their own homes. The only solution is more police on the streets now. The religious discrimination which stops willing recruits being trained as policemen must be ended immediately.

---