NI Conservatives 'are party of the union'
The Northern Ireland Conservatives have emphasised the benefits of the union as the party launched its general election manifesto in Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary, launched the party's manifesto in County Down on Saturday.
He described the Conservatives as the “party of the union”.
The Conservatives, he added, are “committed to strengthen the things that unite us”.
It is likely that this was the last visit Mr Heaton-Harris will make to Northern Ireland as secretary of state.
Last month he said he would step down and not run for re-election after 14 years as an MP.
Speaking at the manifesto launch, he said: "All four parts of our United Kingdom are better together”, adding that: “Northern Ireland has become a great place to live, work and invest in”.
He pointed to the agreement of the Windsor Framework, restoring the power sharing institutions and implementing the government’s Legacy Bill as the party’s recent successes in Northern Ireland.
Living in Northern Ireland 'not necessary'
The Conservatives are running five candidates in Northern Ireland in the 2024 general election.
Last time they ran four, but failed to win any seats.
Asked about a number of candidates standing for election who do not live in Northern Ireland, Mr Heaton-Harris said he did not believe it was necessary to live in Northern Ireland to stand in constituencies in Northern Ireland.
What is in the Conservatives NI manifesto?
The party's manifesto pledges include:
Continuing to invest directly in local areas across Northern Ireland
Implementing all commitments in the Strengthening the Union Command Paper
Supporting the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to provide answers for victims and survivors
Backing Northern Ireland’s economy to succeed
Continuing to uphold all three strands of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement
