Speaking at the launch of the party’s local government manifesto TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“This morning we meet under a shadow because of the brutal murder of Lyra McKee. Once again violent Republicanism has plunged a family and friends of a young woman into sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.
“It is also necessary to point out that this murder is no different from the many committed by terrorists in the past. The grief we will witness today is no different from the grief of countless families. The murder of Miss McKee was wrong. So was the murder of all those who died at the hands of terrorists.
“Yet just a few days ago Sinn Fein/IRA MEP Martina Anderson went out of her way to thumb her nose at the innocent victims of terrorism by saying that a play park in Newry would retain the name Raymond McCreesh – an infamous PIRA terrorist linked to blatant sectarian slaughter. All Sinn Fein/IRA’s fine words about outreach and respect was exposed as so much cant and hypocrisy in a single tweet. TUV has never been fooled by the platitudes of Republicans. That is something which is recognised and appreciated by Unionists on the doorsteps.
“In our manifesto TUV outlines our priorities for the next council term and commits to being a party which stands for value for money for ratepayers but it needs to be said at the outset that the big issues on the doorstep are Brexit and deadlock at Stormont.
“Leavers are understandably angry that their vote has been ignored by the powers that be at Westminster. There was a clear commitment from all major political parties that they would respect the referendum result and yet the last three years have been characterised by politicians seeking to frustrate the will of the people.
“TUV’s message that leave should mean leave and that Northern Ireland should leave the EU on the same basis as the rest of the UK is resonating well on the doorsteps.
“Equally TUV’s clarity when it comes to Stormont – that it is time to shut it down if their is no will to bring in a democratic system which actually works – resonates with ordinary people.
“When it comes to local government the big issue on the doorstep is rates.
“When the 11 new super councils came into operation, we were promised we would see a saving of £438m over 25 years. Ratepayers have seen little sign of this. Rates have risen and there has been a culture of squander across many councils.
“TUV is a low tax party. We believe that you should keep as much of your money as possible and that you have a right to expect value for money when it comes to the money you contribute in direct taxation or in rates.
“And we have a track record to prove this. On Mid and East Antrim Council, where TUV has its strongest presence, we have proposed savings year on year which have been consistently voted down by other parties.
“Others talk about delivering value for money. TUV has a record of challenging wasteful expenditure. If you want to derail the council gravy train, then vote TUV No. 1 on election day.”
You can read the full manifesto online here.