UUP peer calls on voters to reject DUP's '˜politics of fear'

Lord Empey said the DUP had “abandoned all pretence” of normal campaigning and was instead using the “politics of fear” in the run up to Thursday’s Assembly election.

The UUP peer added: “The DUP are not trying to persuade voters to support them because they can deliver a first class health service; tackle educational under-achievement; help create high quality jobs or tackle social inequality.

“That is hardly surprising given that the DUP record in government is so dreadful that they don’t want to draw attention to their failures and the consequences of NAMA, Red Sky, the Social Investment Fund and of course the RHI debacle.

“On Thursday it is essential that the people of Northern Ireland reject fear.”

The comments made by Sir Reg come after veteran UUP Councillor Jim Rodgers claimed voters are abandoning his party over fears that Sinn Fein could win the greatest number of seats at Stormont.

As reported by the Belfast Telegraph yesterday, Mr Rodgers said people planning to vote UUP had now switched to the DUP as they were scared that Sinn Fein would emerge with the most MLAs after Thursday’s Assembly election.

Responding to the Belfast councillor’s comments, a UUP spokesman said: “The DUP are running ‘Project Fear’ because their record in government with Sinn Fein is appalling.

“Despite their chest beating in May last year, the DUP jumped straight back into Government with Sinn Fein.

“They even went as far as voting for Sinn Fein’s Catriona Ruane to be Principal Deputy Speaker despite Danny Kennedy putting his name forward for the role.

“The DUP know they cannot run on their record. All they have left is fear.

“Their unionism only goes so far. DUP pledges before an election disappear like snow off a ditch afterwards.”

The UUP spokesman described the election as “an opportunity for change and a move away from the scandals, disappointments and whiff of corruption which is endemic around a Sinn Fein/DUP government”.

He added: “It is understandable for people to be nervous in advance of an election. There will be plenty of time to analyse results after March 2.

“This could be the most unpredictable election in years.”