Voters urged to 'endorse change'

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The agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP represents "significant progress" according to Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

He was speaking at the launch of his party's manifesto for the European election on 4 June.

"We have come an enormous distance in recent years," he said.

Outgoing MEP Bairbre de Brun, who is seeking re-election, said the poll was a chance for the electorate to endorse a move out of the past.

Ms de Brun said Sinn Fein had put Ireland first; its people, rural communities, workers rights, future prosperity, Irish unity and the environment.

But, she said, the poll was about more than the European Union but also about the "future of our peace and political process".

"This EU election is very important for many reasons, but most of all because it provides the electorate with the chance to say clearly that we want to move forward and not to stay in the past," she said,

"Sinn Fein has a strategy for taking us forward; a strategy for Irish unity.

"It is a strategy that has already delivered enormous progress - an end to conflict; and an inclusive political agreement.

"We have taken risks to move us forward; risks for peace.

"There are serious challenges facing us - economic challenges, climate change and threats to the environment.

"My commitment is that we will continue to deliver progress."