Election briefs

UUP focus on roads The Ulster Unionist Party has said it plans to upgrade all major roads in the North to dual carriageway status…

UUP focus on roads The Ulster Unionist Party has said it plans to upgrade all major roads in the North to dual carriageway status and to promote the building of a national stadium, if it is returned to power.

Both pledges were contained in five "deliverables" announced by the party's leader, Mr David Trimble, yesterday.

Other pledges including integrated healthcare centres in each major town, and the replacement of all temporary school rooms with permanent accommodation.

Mr Trimble rejected suggestions the pledges were unrealistic.

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"These are not pipe dreams. These are things we know which can be done."

SDLP to cut red tape

The SDLP has unveiled a scheme to pump an extra £35 million a year into key public services by cracking down on red tape.

Outlining the plan, Lagan Valley candidate Ms Patricia Lewsley said "red tape strangles enterprise".

Money which would have gone "into the pockets of consultants, expense accounts and glossy booklets" would instead go to hospitals, schools and action against crime.