'Unionist voters must turn out'
ALL three unionist candidates in Thursday's Euro election have made eve-of-poll appeals for unionists to vote.
Following a dramatic 35 per cent fall in the number of postal votes, and amid fears of a drop in turnout particularly hitting unionist areas, the DUP, Conservatives, Unionists and TUV have all called for unionists to vote.
The rival parties also called for their supporters to give second and third preference votes to the other unionist candidates.
DUP leader Peter Robinson urged unionists not to be apathetic.
"On Thursday you can be sure that Sinn Fein's voters will come out to vote.
"Make Thursday a good day for unionism by turning out to vote number one for Diane Dodds and then transferring to other unionist candidates to ensure that two unionists are elected.
"Only Diane Dodds and the DUP can prevent Sinn Fein topping the poll for republicanism. Only a vote for Diane Dodds can deny Sinn Fein being able to claim to speak for Northern Ireland."
Conservatives and Unionists' candidate Jim Nicholson said: "A healthy democracy needs voters to exercise their democratic right and turn out to vote.
"As an unashamed unionist – committed to strengthening, deepening and broadening the Union by placing Northern Ireland in the mainstream of UK politics – I particularly urge pro-Union voters to turn out and to transfer to pro-union candidates.
"In a European election, it is also important the voters give support to and transfer to candidates who share the Conservatives and Unionists' belief that there should be a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty."
TUV candidate Jim Allister said: "It is vitally important that unionists get out and vote in this election.
"If one does not vote, one cannot complain about the result. Remember, the second unionist seat is far from secure but can be held if unionists turn out in force and make full use of their transfers within the unionist family.
"I ask for your number one vote and then suggest that you vote for the other unionist candidates, in order of your preference."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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