As the Westminster election approaches, TUV is stepping up its preparations and signalling that among its key targets will be the seat of the First Minister in East Belfast.

A major public meeting in Albertbridge Road Orange Hall next Friday night (29th January) will signal the throwing down of the gauntlet to Peter Robinson. By staging its first rally of the campaign in the backyard of the DUP Leader, TUV is indicating that in both North Antrim and East Belfast it will be going toe to toe with the DUP in its former heartlands.

Commenting a TUV spokesman said, “TUV exists to give voice to those disenfranchised and dismayed by the abandonment by the DUP and others of the core principles of traditional unionism, as evidenced by their delivery of IRA/Sinn Fein to the very heart and top of government. So, it is natural and necessary that we throw down the gauntlet to Peter Robinson in his own constituency.

“Peter Robinson is the architect of the present empowerment of republicanism through Stormont, yet back in 1979 he won East Belfast by characterising Bill Craig as a weakling!

“Our sense is that disenchantment with the DUP in East Belfast is rooted not just in their shameless somersault into government with Sinn Fein but also in the expenses and other scandals in which they are mired. The election will afford East Belfast the opportunity for a fresh start by electing an MP who will put principle before office and restore trust between elector and elected.”

Speakers at next Friday’s rally will include the Party President, William Ross, Party Leader Jim Allister and political commentator David Vance.