Manifesto launch for 'new Dawn'

Dawn Purvis succeeded the late David Ervine as PUP leader

The Progressive Unionist Party wants all future housing developments to include units for first-time buyers.

The party's manifesto, launched in east Belfast, focuses on education, housing, water charges and poverty.

The party is calling for investment in social housing and a special fund to rehabilitate sectarian hotspots.

New party leader Dawn Purvis, one of three candidates being fielded, said they wanted to continue the work done by David Ervine, who died in January.

Ms Purvis said housing policy was "integral to successfully tackling poverty and environmental issues".

"We also recognise that the soaring price of housing in Northern Ireland is making it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to access the market," she said.

The party's slogan, A New Dawn, has been immortalised on a mural

The key points of the manifesto include:

• Increased pre-school provision, especially in disadvantaged areas, the end of academic selection and more integrated education both inside and outside the integrated school sector; and more outreach by universities in disadvantaged communities;

• The abolition of water charges, incorporating them instead into a rates system based on the ability to pay; and a fair domestic rates system based on income and not property value, replacing the current system which is a stealth tax;

• Opposition to racism and support for community projects which foster good relations;

• Backing for the process of change in policing and the introduction of police community support officers, and increased use of restorative justice schemes;

• Support for the process of conflict transformation taking place within paramilitary groups, and encourage loyalists engaged in this activity;

• The maintenance of the union with the rest of the UK based on mutual respect and renewed relationships and also recognising the importance of north/south relationships to develop the economy, attract inward investment and address issues of mutual benefit for both sides of the border;

• A fully-functioning assembly and a devolved government which produces a new style of politics replacing tribalism, with the British government providing a strong financial package.