Jim Nicholson MEP and UUP representative

In May 1998 the people of Northern Ireland overwhelmingly endorsed the Belfast Agreement. Also, almost 170,000 people who hadn't voted for years went to the polls to vote for an Agreement which they hoped would allow NI to move forward. They wanted change and they voted for change.

The Ulster Unionist Party and the Conservative Party have joined forces to create a new, dynamic partnership that will put Northern Ireland back at the heart of British politics. What we are offering is an opportunity for people in Northern Ireland to have real input and real influence into the national debate.

For far too long Northern Ireland's voters have been semi-detached in terms of input and influence, having little or no impact on Westminster or European politics because their representatives have belonged to small regional parties rather than to strong national parties.

In the last few days I have been repeatedly asked if it really matters who tops the poll in this election.

The Ulster Unionist Party and Conservative Party---standing together as 'Conservatives and Unionists'---are asking you to vote for change on June 4. We want to elect an MEP now, and MPs later, who will take the 'whip' of a national UK party; who will have a direct input into policy; whose presence will ensure thatyour voice and views are heard and heeded at the very heart of UK politics.

Because I have been an MEP since 1989 some people have asked how I can credibly claim to be ';the candidate for change.';

At the beginning of this campaign people asked me what I meant by the word 'change'.