The DUP effectively launched its European Parliament election campaign with an uncompromising and staunchly Eurosceptic address by the party's candidate, Mr Jim Allister.
Mr Allister, once an election agent for Mr Peter Robinson in East Belfast, is back in politics having left the scene in 1987 following a decision by the DUP not to contest the East Antrim seat he wanted to contest.
He told conference next month's election was vital for the party in that it needed to ensure Sinn Féin did not top the poll. He added that he would continue to follow the Rev Ian Paisley's stance against what he called "the sovereignty of Brussels", the single currency, and the proposed EU constitution. He said the enlargement of the EU represented a threat to local farmers.
The EU election would also have a special significance in Northern Ireland, he said.
"A good vote for the DUP will give the extra leverage needed in the ongoing negotiations to secure durable and democratic devolution," he said.
"Only the DUP can deliver the rebuff which Sinn Féin/IRA must receive in its audacious ambition to top the poll in this election."
The party is anxious to continue the run of five consecutive poll-topping performances by the Rev Ian Paisley since 1979.
Mr Allister said the DUP stood for a Europe of the regions, not of the centre.
"We stand for the supremacy of the nation state, not the sovereignty of Brussels. We stand for the keeping of the pound, not surrendering economic control to the European Central Bank. We stand for co-operation between European states but against a constitution that is an integrationist blueprint designed to produce a Euro superstate."
He continued: "We stand for a fair deal for our farmers in the trying times through which they continue to pass. We stand for national control of British fishing grounds, not quotas set by others for the benefit of others."
Referring to Dr Paisley's 25 years in Strasbourg, Mr Allister said it now fell to him to build on his party leader's record. He criticised the policy of the Ulster Unionist MEP, Mr Jim Nicholson.
"I face [the challenge] with a confidence which Jim Nicholson can never have because it comes from having a united party behind me - not a contrived and temporary unity to limp through an election, but a principled unity in perpetuity." He warned conference of the consequences of a strong Sinn Féin performance in next month's election.
"Think for a moment of the worldwide propaganda coup for Sinn Féin if they were permitted by default to top this poll.
"It would be too late for apathetic unionists when the TV footage has been beamed around the world of Tricolour-bedecked black taxis encircling City Hall, packed with celebrating Provo thugs."
He continued: "Only the DUP can deliver what is required in this election. Only the DUP can thwart Sinn Féin. And as far as topping the poll is concerned, our message is simple: what we have, we hold."