Disappointing that DUP is still divisive under Arlene Foster

It is sad that instead of debating the real issues facing the people of Northern Ireland education, health and economic growth Dodds immediately tries to turn the election into a divisive sectarian headcount.

As this tactic of generating fear among the unionist community has won previous elections Dodds hopes that the public will forget about the sleaze and failures of the past five years and return to the DUP. It is particularly cynical as no serious political analyst can see the DUP losing the election.

It is particularly disappointing as many, myself included, saw the appointment of Arlene Foster as leader as offering the opportunity to move away from the politics of confrontation and division.

Instead of providing a vision of a better future Dodds highlights the sterile politics of the past and reinforces the divisions within the Executive.

This is the same theme that has dominated Northern Ireland politics for the past 100 years. Nothing positive, no vision for the future but merely vote to keep the other lot out. This has led to confrontation, gridlock, failure and intense public disillusionment with the political system.

No wonder our young people are leaving in droves.

Brian Wilson, North Down Independent Assembly candidate (First Green Party MLA)