Rosemary Barton, Ulster Unionist Party.

Q: “How will you address education underachievement in Fermanagh-south Tyrone?”

A: “The educational system in Northern Ireland works very well for many of our young people I believe, however more opportunities for achievement must be investigated for those young people who are turned off by an education system whose instrument of measurement is only through academic achievement. An education program of alternative courses needs to be developed in consultation with local employers and the South West College to provide a more vocational and skills based opportunity, offering relevant qualification for these young people. Achievement, whether vocational or skills based or academic must be equally valued and celebrated.”

Q: “How will you ensure a better deal for our farming community?”

A: “Over this past year when farmers have been suffering poor returns for their produce, it is evident that the Minister of Agriculture failed to support them. I therefore call on the new Minster to ensure that the high quality product produced is offered realistic prices by the processors. Many of the producers work 24/7 and deserve better prices. The Minster must also safeguard the agricultural industry from Supermarkets that use the daily pinta as a lost leader to entice shoppers, together with promoting cheaper foreign produce at the expense of our premium quality Northern Ireland produced food.

Banks must be further lobbied to have a more sympathetic attitude and extend periods of repayments during these difficult times.”

Q: “How will you promote the Irish language and Ulster Scots?”

A: “The Irish language today has been politicised and attempts made to promote it on an equal basis to English which it is not. To equalise the promotion of both, Ulster Scots must be further developed by making available suitable materials for use in our educational establishments and increasing the volume of Ulster Scots programs on television and radio together with more media suitable material.

Funding should not be diverted for the sole purpose of setting up unsustainable Irish Medium schools and depriving other schools, when there are more than adequate pupil places within our present schools.”

Q: “How will you support the LGBT community in Fermanagh-south Tyrone?”

A: “I believe in respect for all and totally oppose homophobic bullying, be it in schools or the work place. There needs to be greater advice and guidance given to our schools to respond to the increasing incidents of homophobic bullying.”

Q: “How will you repair our roads infrastructure?”

A: “For a number of years, the Department of Regional Development Minster was starved of essential funding resulting in the rapid decline in the standard of our roads infrastructure. Increased funding needs to be earmarked for road maintenance and a prioritised resurfacing programme developed for the next 20 year period to bring the roads up to a standard fit for 21st century travel, especially in Fermanagh-south Tyrone which is totally dependent on road transport.”