Return of Stormont will see tax rises, claim DUP

The DUP have warned voters of a triple tax threat if people vote for pro-agreement parties at next month's assembly elections.

At a press conference held at DUP Headquarters in Belfast, the party pointed out how some taxpayers are set for a triple whammy of tax increases which could see their rates double over the next five years.

Deputy Leader Peter Robinson said: “Because of the bloated political bureaucracy of the Belfast Agreement, Northern Ireland’s taxpayers face a triple tax threat over the next five years.

"Through Water Charging, the Trimble/Durkan approved Reinvestment and Reform Initiative and the Review of Rating, people could see their rates double over the next five years courtesy of the pro-Agreement parties.

"The DUP are the only low rates party on people’s ballot papers. The people of Northern Ireland simply cannot afford four more years of the UUP. The UUP are costing this country far too much on far too many levels."

DUP MP for North Belfast, Nigel Dodds, added: "The choice for the electorate is a simple one. If they want higher rates and an ever-escalating costs of government they should vote for any of the pro-Agreement parties. Or they can vote for the DUP who are the only party committed to cutting back on unnecessary spending and keeping rates down."

Mr Robinson said his party intended to make the issue of rates and proposed rate rises a key one in their forthcoming Assembly election campaign.

(MB)