RURAL ISSUES Many of my constituents live and work in the rural community and farming in particular continues to be a crucial source of employment. I have worked with both the Ulster Farmers Union and Laganside Rural Development in addressing the needs of the agricultural industry and rural dwellers in general and tackling the problems presently facing our countryside. With the huge challenges created by CAP Reform and the Nitrates Directive as well as the worrying threat to our environment, I will continue to ensure that rural issues are given greater priority by government.