Committing to an end in double jobbing, each successful DUP candidate will step down from the Assembly “within weeks”, except Peter Robinson.

Ministers and Whitehall departments should be cut by a third, the party says.

Alliance sits very much in the Liberal Democrat camp, supporting the alternative vote system, a written constitution and votes for 16 year-olds.

A hung parliament should be used to the province’s benefit, whether on the big political issues or at constituency level, according to the TUV.

A free Commons vote on reducing the voting age to 16 is also proposed.

Labour commits to banning MPs from lobbying, along with requiring approval for paid outside appointments.

Northern Ireland would continue to be supported by “unprecedented public funding” while the Calman Commission’s recommendations will be implemented in Scotland, which includes additional tax- raising powers. Wales could also expect a referendum on having more legislative powers based in Cardiff Bay.

Double-jobbing would end under a Conservative government. The West Lothian Question would be partly answered with new rules so that legislation referring specifically to England, or to England and Wales, could not be made law without the consent of MPs representing those countries.

As Prime Minister, David Cameron would attend Holyrood for questioning on a “regular basis”. No such commitment is made for Northern Ireland.

The Lib Dems say that parliament would meet for a fixed term rather than the PM calling an election while a fully elected House of Lords is also proposed.

Defence is the DUP’s main focus with calls for proper equipment, pay and accommodation. A “continual power-grab” from the EU is opposed and Northern Ireland could help deepen UK links with India.

Irish neutrality is key for Sinn Féin. Supporting “national self-determination” for all peoples, it wants the US Cuban blockade lifted and is pro-Palestinian. “Critical but positive engagement” with the EU is pledged.

The “internationalist” SDLP will strongly press for the Millennium Development Goals to be met with an adequate aid budget. Violence and suffering in Darfur, Iran and Gaza will be highlighted.

Conservatives and Unionists talk of an “enlightened national interest”, including a new special relationship with India.

Alliance is pro-European and supports Turkish EU membership. It wants a standing UN rapid reaction force to protect peace and security. TUV policy is strongly Eurosceptic and pro-military, while the more pacific Greens would reform EU farming and fishing policies.

Labour demands “fundamental reform” of the EU budget, with an end to export subsidies, and backs enlargement.

Sinn Feín wants the British Government to become “persuaders for Irish unity.” A referendum on Irish unity would be held simultaneously in the North and South and the party would ‘engage’ with unionists about the type of united Ireland they would want to live in.

While Sinn Feín already has TDs and a senator, they call for “six county representation in the Oireachtas.”

An expansion of the all-Ireland Ministerial Council and the establishment of an all- Ireland parliamentary and consultative forum (also backed by the SDLP) would be carried out and additional all-Ireland bodies created.

The SDLP sees an “incontrovertible” case for direct Northern Ireland involvement in the Oireachtas so that decisions which affect the entire island can be scrutinised by representatives in both jurisdictions e.g. on NAMA, and the administration of Quinn Insurance and the sale of First Trust Bank.

A forum for Irish unity should also be set up to make sure that unity is seen as a “coming-together rather than a takeover”.

The Stormont Executive will remain under unity and unionists would be offered “the same rights and protections” that nationalists insisted upon in Northern Ireland.

Further proposals include: speaking rights for party leaders in the Daíl on Northern Ireland and cross-border issues, and for Assembly committee chairs on their respective committees in the Daí l.

A panel of 11 Irish senators would be chosen by northern party leaders.

The DUP remains “unconvinced” on devolving broadcasting powers to Stormont and so would oppose any such move.

The TV licence, the party says, should be cut from £142.50 to £50, with the remaining funding for the BBC coming through government grants. The SDLP commits to giving free TV licences to all pensioners while the Lib Dems say the BBC can be assured of its place as an impartial observer and “free from interference”.

Conservatives and Unionists pledge to make sure that Northern Ireland benefits from the legacy of the London Olympics, while Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and the bids for the rugby league and union world cups and FIFA World Cup should be opportunities for the whole UK.

The SDLP commits to Irish language legislation, and points to Dominic Bradley’s work on his private member’s Bill, which has not yet come to the Assembly.

In spite of DCAL’s decision not to follow through on the national stadium, the debate is not over for the SDLP and it will push for a single accommodating venue for all sports.

Alliance wants to repeal the Digital Economy Act which it says needs further discussion.

Labour describes how 2012 is a “once-in-a- lifetime opportunity”. The Olympic Games would be delivered on time and on budget, and also promises that the impact of the games will be felt throughout the UK.

Equality in sport is a high priority for Sinn Féin. The GAA should be recognised as the largest sport in Ireland while the party also proposes an all-Ireland soccer team. UK Government funding for the Irish language is recognised as a “staging post” on the road to a united Ireland.

Supplying and securing energy is a much higher priority for parties in 2010 than in 2005. Energy is mostly devolved but heavily influenced by external factors.

Waste-to-energy generation, using the discards of agriculture and food processing, is highlighted by the DUP. Wind, tidal and geothermal sources are also favoured. The party backs a 40 per cent renewable energy target but this should not “significantly increase” electricity bills. Stronger interconnection is supported, alongside extending the gas network.

Mechanical-biological waste treatment and anaerobic digestion with CHP is Sinn Féin’s preferred waste-to-energy solution. Nuclear is rejected; wind, wave, biomass and solar are favourites.

Full devolution of energy is demanded by the SDLP, which would promote micro- generation in rural areas. A single all-island energy regulator is proposed, as are social tariffs to assist older and disabled people. The party would work with Dublin and Edinburgh to develop tidal and wave technology.

Conservatives and Unionists recognise that Northern Ireland’s location makes energy security and price “pressing issues”. They support a local Green New Deal and plans to create a gas storage facility off the local coast. Nuclear power would be developed but with no public subsidy.

Alliance’s Green New Deal involves incentivising energy efficiency through lower rates and taxes, support for renewable heat and an EU-wide renewable energy ‘super-grid’.

Wind, wave, biomass and solar energy are the Greens’ priorities, alongside safe nuclear decommissioning. The TUV favours wind, solar, hydro and nuclear – but mistakenly also labels the latter source as renewable.

The common housing selection scheme would also come under the spotlight as would the VAT level on repairs and maintenance of properties, which the party proposes to reduce.

To counter fuel poverty, a boiler scrappage scheme should be introduced in Northern Ireland while an energy assistance package would also be aimed at vulnerable residents.

Sinn Féin advocates legislation across Ireland which gives people an enforceable right to housing. The common selection scheme would face a change as it “discriminates against people in areas of high demand”.

With its manifesto sticking closely to those matters which do reside at Westminster, the SDLP pledges only to build more social housing, pointing to the job creation which would follow.

Naturally Alliance supports freely available integrated housing, while the Greens say the housing shortage could be dealt with by support for self-builds and improvements to existing stock by promoting energy efficiency.

Fuel duty and infrastructure top parties’ priorities. Greener travel is lower down the list.

Transport policy can be neatly directed into two routes. Roads, railways and ports are devolved to Northern Ireland, while air and sea travel go to Westminster, which also sets the prices at the pumps.

DUP

The DUP praises community transport for how it helps older people in isolated rural areas and calls for more investment. Programmes to keep up the skills and confidence of older drivers are promoted. Its manifesto also calls for the Treasury to be flexible on fuel duty when costs are particularly high.

Sinn Féin

“Cleaner vehicles and more sustainable transport choices” are needed, says Sinn Féin. It pledges a new active travel strategy to promote alternatives to car use and introduce 20 new trains into the rail network. Rapid transit is also on the way, but the party’s commitments focus on opening or building new roads, especially west of the Bann and on cross- border routes. Residents’ parking schemes are proposed for Belfast and Derry and the party will seek to keep the City of Derry Airport open.

SDLP

An all-island transport strategy, as suggested by the SDLP, would plan ahead for growth in ports and airports. Better public transport is a priority. Investing in road maintenance could help create jobs and the party supports devolution of aviation powers to the Assembly.

UCUNF

Conservatives and Unionists pledge to “examine the case” for devolving some aviation powers so it can draw up a regional strategy for that sector.

Opposed to Heathrow’s third runway, the Tories would link the airport into high speed rail, again eventually reaching Scotland. Second runways at Stansted and Gatwick would also be blocked. A ‘fair fuel stabiliser’ to cut fuel duty when oil prices rise (and vice versa) is also suggested.

Alliance

Investment would be rebalanced in favour of public transport, under Alliance plans. Lower carbon technologies are also supported and the party encourages a wider debate on congestion charges and other forms of road pricing; a proper public transport system is needed before

any charges are introduced. A revised aviation strategy for the UK is suggested, as the current one is almost 10 years old.

Others

Labour pledges not to put VAT on bus or rail fares. Its main plan is a high-speed rail line, ultimately linking London and Scotland. A third Heathrow runway is again supported and the party backs the proposed rail link from Glasgow airport to the city centre.

The Lib Dems want to restrict aviation growth but recognise that “in some more remote parts of the country, flights are a vital lifeline”. The introduction of road pricing, in Great Britain, would fund the end of vehicle excise duty and the party wants all new cars to have zero emissions by 2040.

Green policy is to shift spending towards public transport, non-private car use, pedestrianisation and cycleways. Trams are suggested and fuel duty would fund public transport. In a clear appeal to the motorist, the TUV calls for a “more reasonable price for fuel”, especially to benefit rural areas.

Party priorities for climate change, farming and conservation.

Most environmental matters are devolved but some national policies will impact on Northern Ireland, especially on climate change.

DUP

An increase in allotments in urban areas would please the party. They state that the province must make a contribution to upholding international agreements to cut carbon emissions. The DUP also supports efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the government estate, which currently stands at 25 per cent of the province’s total energy use. It backs further research to develop farming techniques that reduce the carbon footprint and methane output from the Northern Ireland livestock sector and is currently exploring ways to support anaerobic digestion on farms in Northern Ireland.

In order to eradicate bovine TB and brucellosis they agree with the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy called: ‘Find it, deal with the source of infection and stamp it out.’

Sinn Féin

Harmful emissions must be reduced by 80 per cent or greater by 2050, requiring a rate reduction of at least 3 per cent per annum, according to the party. Zero carbon affordable homes should be a focus and more allotments and community gardens should be factored into urban areas.

A new rural white paper with equality and all-island development would be a priority, as would reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to ensure that

single farm payment is maintained and capped at £100,000. A new Forestry Bill would aim to double forest cover across Northern Ireland over the next 50 years. Their new Regional Development Strategy aims to establish a new vision for the region over the next decade, founded on equality and an all-Ireland agenda.

SDLP

The SDLP advocate an all-island spatial planning strategy. The North/South Ministerial Council agenda must be expanded to include a climate change sector, where an assessment of how we can best use natural resources for the benefit of the environment can be carried out.

A rural white paper for the region would ensure resources for a rural development action plan. In order to create jobs, the party would work with other MPs from rural regions to ensure the next government puts forward the needs of rural Ireland when negotiating reform of the CAP. They would also promote farm diversification.

UCUNF

Conservatives and Unionists would explore the potential for a Green New Deal in the province. They would introduce an emissions performance standard to limit the levels of greenhouse gases produced by power stations. Protecting endangered species and vital habitats from destruction is important to the parties. In addition they believe that future reform of the CAP must reflect the central importance of farming to the economy, society and the environment, whilst acknowledging consumer concerns

about food quality and food security. They would also introduce honesty in food labelling to give consumers the choice to buy food produced locally.

Alliance

The party wants a Green New Deal which would include tighter regulations on planning and building. A green economy task force, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Executive and including representatives from the business community, is also advocated by the party.

They support the EU’s reform of the CAP and say it would ensure a long-term sustainable agriculture sector, through shifting support from production and export subsidies towards diversification, conservation and rural development.

Others

Sustainable development and transport policies would be drawn up by local authorities in co-operation with non-governmental organisations if the Green Party had their way. They would insist on strict implementation of a ‘polluter pays’ principle.

Hard-pressed by the bureaucracy of Europe on one hand and the ‘anti-farming’ tendency of DEFRA on the other, Northern Ireland agriculture often feels the pinch, according to the TUV. They would force the department to pour money into front line farming needs rather than “soft social projects”.

Labour would seek to ensure fairness for food producers through EU reform and a supermarkets ombudsman, thus affecting local food producers.

Despite justice being the most recently devolved area to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament will retain power over politically and legally sensitive areas such as national security and the work of the UK Border Agency.

DUP

Improving the risk management of sex offenders, tackling domestic abuse, knife crime, and alcohol and drug related crime, would be priorities. The 403 officers currently involved in criminal justice units need to be moved onto the streets.

A greater number of neighbourhood officers would be introduced, with fixed penalty notices and police cautions used to deal with fines rather than burdening the courts system.

A reduction in the “crippling” legal aid bill is another DUP priority and they would call for a re-assessment of the high number of prisoners who are on remand.

Sinn Féin

Giving themselves credit for “taking policing and justice away from Westminster and putting it into the hands of locally elected representatives”, the party seek unarmed civic policing in the community. They say they will “continue to set the agenda” on policing. Transparency in the criminal justice system is demanded and Sinn Feín would eradicate the use of plastic bullets, which they claim are “lethal weapons.”

“Politically driven” organisations such as MI5 and the Serious Organised Crime

Agency “must go”. They also focus on ‘truth recovery’, demanding a full independent public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.

SDLP

The SDLP would seek to create a sentencing guidelines council, review knife crime penalties, establish a charter of rights for victims of crime, and place the Prisoner Ombudsman on a statutory footing.

Reforms are called for in the Prison Service and the PPS, and in the provision of legal aid. The party recognises the “opportunities provided by devolution of justice” but calls for primacy of national security to be with the PSNI rather than MI5. It states that the recent report on the Omagh bomb from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee “confirms the glaring gaps in the accountability of the security service.”

UCUNF

Protecting Northern Ireland from the threat posed by dissident republican terrorism is a priority. Stop and search powers for police would be strengthened so that knife crime can be tackled.

Binge drinking would be targeted by taxing super-strength beers, ciders and alco-pops, “but not the everyday pint.”

Alliance

Holding the local justice job, Alliance would also seek to reform the legal aid system, concentrate on victims and witnesses, support more officers on the

streets, create a Northern Ireland sentencing guidelines council and remove the peace lines in Belfast.

Immigration is an important issue for the party which supports a points-based system linked to skills “as the least worst of all the alternatives.”

They claim there is a need for a stronger safety net for immigrants when they lose employment and they want to “take the politics out of asylum” by taking responsibility away from the Home Office and giving it to an independent agency.

Others

“Firm and fair” immigration rules are promised by Labour, who would give the Border Agency the same level of powers as police in addition to “thousands more” immigration officers. A new Australian- style points-based system would ensure no unskilled migration from outside the EU, and visa applicants must take the English test before entry to the UK.

The Lib Dems would introduce a points- based system which ensures that migrants can only work in a region where their skills are needed.

The TUV claim that under Sinn Féin, there will be “Patten-style” reform of the Prison Service, which they will resist. On immigration they advocate rigorous application of border controls and a moratorium on all third world immigration until there is less pressure on public services and overcrowding.

Virtually all education policy is devolved so MPs elected from Northern Ireland will have little influence on how its schools, colleges and universities are run. Most Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat commitments apply to Great Britain alone.

Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionists have the most influence over education, responsible for schools and post-school policy respectively, but the DUP has also been effective at stopping policies which it opposes.

DUP

The party focuses on the early years of a child’s life, to set “strong foundations” for the rest. People should be able to obtain the same childcare across the UK from a greater range of providers.

Chicago’s child-parent centres give poorer families comprehensive support when their children are young, with parents being “active and consistent participants” in their child’s education. These should be piloted in cities in Great Britain and compared to existing SureStart programmes.

Grammar school boards of governors, it contends, should be free to select children using academic criteria and the party will continue to work for a single state-run post-primary assessment.

Meanwhile, the curriculum is “excessively rigid” and schools should have more freedom to balance academic and vocational subjects. A single authority for controlled schools is mooted, as well as scrapping special rights for integrated and Irish medium ones.

Sinn Féin

Equality and excellence are the party’s two watchwords. The “radical restructuring” of education is set to continue under Sinn Féin, which pledges to extend entitlement to free school meals and cut back bureaucracy. Both education systems on Ireland should be harmonised and joined-up action is demanded to help young people not in employment, education, or training. Fees for full-time students are opposed and older people should be able to afford fees in lifelong learning.

The party states that more schools should be built on the basis of area needs and would push for improvements in the “function, quality and accessibility” of apprenticeships.

Sinn Féin also wants an all-Ireland skills strategy to ensure that skills qualifications are compatible across the island, and properly recognised in both jurisdictions.

SDLP

The SDLP seeks a “more robust focus” on attainment in science, technology, engineering and maths, adding that the progress will only be made by striving for excellence in education. Learning must be demanding to reflect the needs of the modern workforce.

On transfer, the SDLP supports the interim test plan, previously proposed by Caitríona Ruane, and will work to encourage her to change position. Rural schools will be championed, along with the campaign to keep statementing for children with special educational needs.

UCUNF

Conservatives and Unionists promise to resist Sinn Féin attempts to “destroy” the education system. They back academic selection but also want to tackle underachievement, especially in early years. Specialist schools would become more common and the ESA is opposed, due to its bureaucracy. Head teachers would instead receive more power to raise standards and discipline pupils.

Alliance

Naturally in favour of integrated schooling, Alliance recognises that the education system will have several different sectors “for the foreseeable future” and supports sharing between them. Every parent should be able to choose an integrated place for their child.

Others

The TUV “strongly supports” academic selection and parental choice, with adequate funding for non-grammar secondary schools. Greens want a fully- rounded education “not just skills for the workplace” and call for more overall funding.