“Northern Ireland is entering a new era. As Ulster Unionists we are offering a confident, positive, pro-union alternative that will work for everyone. The Ulster Unionist Party is focused on the future and creating a Union of People within Northern Ireland.

We must ensure that Unionism projects a positive, optimistic image and is recognised as a force for good, confident and at ease with itself. It must leave any negativity behind, open its eyes and allow the electorate to see what is possible if we all work together.

We have been the most consistent party in highlighting that the Protocol was a bad deal for Northern Ireland and needs replaced. The Ulster Unionist Party warned of the Protocol, gave solutions to the protocol, and has changed the conversation around the Protocol. All this while others did nothing except promote protocol sloganism in order to mislead the electorate.

Walking away from Stormont won`t solve the problem. The Protocol needs to be replaced with a solution that works for everyone so that we can focus on rebuilding the NHS, boosting economic recovery and tackling the rising cost of living. Politicians should not be abandoning their posts at this time.

Northern Ireland is safe within the Union, but it's the type of Northern Ireland we want for the future that is at play. We must make it a place for everyone regardless of religion, sexual orientation and cultural or community background.

In the last number of years the Ulster Unionist Party has demonstrated what competent, principled and cohesive leadership can achieve in our stewardship of the Health Department under Robin Swann.

With more votes we can do more.  Robin Swann will be able to finish the job he has started. We can bring that type of leadership to more departments and vitally, we could lead Northern Ireland.

Your vote is hard won. Your right to vote came at a cost. Freedom is not free and as recent events in Ukraine have shown, there are forces at work today that would still seek to deny democracy and impose their will by force. In this country all we have to do to change those who govern us is to turn out and vote.

That’s why on the 5th May, I am asking you to give us your vote, give us your trust and in return the Ulster Unionist Party will give you a brighter future.”