The Ulster Unionist Party wants Stormont to work, and we will put our shoulders to the wheel - make no mistake on that score.

In recent weeks the press has been dominated by calls from the DUP in relation to Unionist deals, Unionist pacts and Unionist Unity. Ian Paisley Junior's commentary (10th December 2009) to this paper is just one of them. For me and for many of my colleagues who have been berated and insulted by the DUP over the years we understandably find these calls insincere and indeed offensive.

He emphasized Ulster Unionists had always been passionate about the Union this was now demonstrated clearly through the new link with the Conservatives now giving Northern Ireland the aspiration to be at the big table and participating in national government.

I had the privilege of visiting our troops in Helmand in 2008, when it was clear that the entire burden was being carried by our young men and women, such as those at Musa Qala who were for weeks on end, without respite, mentoring Afghan forces. Was there any strategic back-up, I asked? What was the long-term ambition for this new army when our troops were gone?

On December 2nd, 1999, legislative powers were formally devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive Committee.

Following the statement by the Minister of Education regarding her 'transitional governance' arrangements for the education system, Ulster Unionist Ministers Sir Reg Empey and Michael McGimpsey have made the following statement: