Democratic Unionist Party 23/04/2014 Party Election Broadcasts for the European Parliament

In 2009, Diane Dodds was elected

to represent Northern Ireland in the European Parliament.

Over the last five years, Diane has set a new standard for local MEPs.

In Parliament,

she has spoken up for Northern Ireland more than anyone else.

Indeed, official records show that Diane is Northern Ireland's top MEP.

She's in the top five in the UK, and the top 10% in the whole of Europe.

After the election, Diane was the first of the current MEPs

to open a full-time, professionally staffed

constituency office.

But she didn't wait for people to come to her.

She held public meetings, every month, all across the province.

Securing funding from Brussels is massively important.

But not everyone can access it.

Diane is changing that.

Her signposts for funding booklets and workshops

have opened the door to European funding,

delivering over £6 million for businesses, churches,

sports clubs and many, many others.

Before I entered politics, I worked as a teacher.

I enjoyed bringing the best out of people,

and getting the most for people.

My job in Europe is about standing up for Northern Ireland

and working hard right across Northern Ireland.

That is what I am about.

And that is what this party is about,

in local councils, Stormont, Westminster and Brussels.

Whether we like the EU or not,

decisions taken in Brussels impact our daily lives.

In the European Parliament, I have defended our British sovereignty

and opposed more powers going to Brussels.

I have highlighted human rights abuses across the world,

including the persecution of Christians.

As the first full DUP member of the Agriculture Committee,

I have stood up for our farmers, by protecting our CAP budget.

On the Fisheries Committee,

I have delivered improvements to the Common Fisheries Policy.

I have stood up for the innocent victims of terrorism,

secured vital funding

and opposed get-out-of-jail-free cards for on-the-runs.

I have ensured that Northern Ireland's voice is heard in Europe.

This election isn't a referendum on getting out of the European Union.

It's about electing the right person

so Northern Ireland gets as much as it can out of Europe.

Diane's work rate and record of delivery speaks for itself.

Unlike other candidates, Diane is part of a team.

Over the last five years,

she has worked with me and other DUP colleagues at Westminster,

Stormont and local councils, to deliver for Northern Ireland.

On election day, vote for someone

who is standing up for Northern Ireland.

On May 22nd, vote Diane Dodds, number 1.