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 the local Rural Development Partnership in addressing the needs of the agricultural industry and rural dwellers in general and tackling the problems presently affecting our countryside. With farmers facing the huge challenges created by CAP Reform and the Nitrates Directive as well as the global threat to our environment, I will continue to ensure that rural issues are given greater priority by government.