The DUP has criticised UUP MLA Adrian Cochrane Watson for stalling the biggest infrastructure project in Northern Ireland's history.

DUP candidate in South Antrim Trevor Clarke said the A5 scheme is a vital project for the construction sector.

Mr Clarke said: "During a debate about infrastructure on the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme Adrian Cochrane Watson, of the UUP, offered no solutions but attacked the DUP repeatedly. For the UUP to criticise infrastructure spending is utter hypocrisy when it was a UUP Minister who stalled the biggest infrastructure project in Northern Ireland's history.

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"The A5 project was initially struck down by the courts but when Michelle McIlveen took over DRD it became clear the former Minister had been stalling on the recommencement of this project.

"The DUP's plan for Northern Ireland includes a commitment to invest in our infrastructure to build for the future. Even over the last few months we have demonstrated our ability to deliver on that.

"Whether cutting the grass, fixing street lights, reforming the compensation scheme for landowners or getting projects like the A5 moving Michelle McIlveen was able to achieve more in five weeks than the UUP Minister achieved in five years."

(CD/MH)