Equality debate: The DUP yesterday vowed to put equality and fairness for the unionist community "right at the heart of government talks".
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said "improvements in education and vocational training, improved government investment to reduce underlying unionist tensions, and an opening up of opportunities for housing development", were actions necessary for restoring community confidence within Protestant areas.
Castlereagh DUP councillor Jimmy Spratt continued on the theme by blaming "years of preferential funding and investment into nationalist and republican areas", for subjecting working class unionist communities to present socio-economic problems.
"These are not special privileges that we ask for, but simply measures to allow the unionist community to look over the proverbial fence and see that it is on an equal footing with its neighbours." Mr Spratt did, however, cite a "unionist tradition of self-reliance" and lack of any community structure over the years as contributing factors to this decline.
East Derry MP Gregory Campbell said there was a need for a "reality check within republicanism" that has to "support, recognise and accept that there is a greater number in this country who have British identity and cultural expression that requires support". Mr Campbell also stressed that the "numerical disadvantage for Protestants cannot continue in the civil service, housing executive and other aspects of the public sector", and cited "legalised discrimination" within the PSNI as a serious problem.
Mr Campbell finished his address by promising that the party would resolve the parades issue. "Fair play can and must prevail," he said.
Belfast city councillor Nelson McCausland drew attention to the lack of funding for unionist community cultural festivals, and accused the government of having "a festival fund for the republican community only". George Dawson of the Independent Orange Order accused republican paramilitaries of "bolstering themselves with public funds in the name of community". He also called for a "root and branch review" of the Parades Commission.
Mr Dodds continued his speech by touching on the findings of last Tuesday's International Monitoring Commission's report, claiming that the DUP "stands vindicated for never taking the IRA at their word". He called on the British government to face reality and accept the DUP's proposals for restoring devolution.
"We have provided a blueprint for a way forward in the political process - one in which accountable decision making can happen without terrorists and criminals in government," he said.