The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)leader Mr David Trimble has said that "begrudgers and those clinging to the violence of the past" must not be allowed to wreck the future of Northern Ireland.
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The party's manifesto, published in Belfast today in advance of the Assembly Elections, said the party wanted to see the Assembly restored, but only when republicans have "dealt conclusively with the issues of decommissioning, continued paramilitary activity and the effective winding-up of their private army".
In a 10-point charter, the UUP says its candidates will "hold firmly" to the requirement for "acts of completion" and the effective winding up of paramilitary organisations before Sinn Fein can participate in a Northern Ireland executive.
The party's pledges for the next Assembly include an integrated primary healthcare centre in every major population area, the replacement of all mobile classrooms with permanent accommodation within five years and a radical, pro-active community relations policy.
Mr Trimble expressed concern about the effects of "voter apathy" on the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on the publication of the manifesto today, he said: "We are determined to make Northern Ireland a success but there is a problem and that is people not voting.
"The worry we have in this election is if there is apathy or people do not turn out. So we are saying there can be progress, there can be success but it requires you to come out and exercise your franchise and to do it in such a way as to strengthen those who are working for a better future."
The leader was joined by former Stormont ministers Mr Michael McGimpsey, Sir Reg Empey and Mr Dermot Nesbitt. He said achievements from devolution included the lowest unemployment rates "for decades", higher spending on health, free transport for the elderly and the successful tackling of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
PA