Nearly three years since the European referendum took place it seems like we have made no progress at all.

The 29 March exit date is long past and we seem no closer to agreeing the terms of our departure than we did on the 27 June 2016. 

Currently in British politics every day is groundhog day. 

The negotiations have been very badly handled from the start and I know that, like me, many people are fed up and weary with the situation.

The uncertainty is demoralising for our people, for business and for politics.

During the most seismic events that the United Kingdom has faced since the Second World War our Government has been rudderless, failing to offer the leadership our people deserve during this time.

We must end the uncertainty for jobs and business, so that we can concentrate on creating a better future for everyone and help rebuild relationships with our closest neighbours.

This is a time to stand for Northern Ireland.  We are the region of the United Kingdom which stands to be most adversely affected by the outcome of a bad Brexit deal or no deal.

This is a time to demand an end to the uncertainty and vote for stability.

We need a sensible Brexit.

That is what this election is about.  

It is not about refighting the referendum.   The days of remainers and leavers came to an end once the people of the United Kingdom cast their vote in 2016.

This is about electing voices who will be there to make sure Northern Ireland does not get a raw deal.

The situation that we have presently arrived at is not where any of us wanted to be.

This issue did not need to become as vexed as it has done.

Too many have forced this to become all or nothing, all the pragmatism that has resolved many of our political difficulties in the past is long forgotten as chest beating took over.

Our time should be focused on getting the best deal for Northern Ireland.

We must leave the EU on the same terms as the rest of the United Kingdom.

I want a sensible Brexit deal which respects the result of the referendum and provides a way ahead for building a positive relationship with the EU in the future - and also secures Northern Ireland’s position within the United Kingdom.

Let me be very clear:

Firstly, we do not want or need any new borders.

There won`t be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; and there can`t be a border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

This does not have to be a choice of either or.

I’m a border Unionist.  I’ve spent most of my life in South Armagh.

I understand the border, I know what happens and how it happens. I know how crucial it is to trade, to business and to our economy and I also know that we cannot return to a hard border.

But I have to say that I am disappointed that those who have been loud opponents to a hard border on the island fall silent when it comes to the prospect of a hard border in the Irish Sea.

Unionist concerns around the backstop are just as valid and are afforded equal protection under the Good Friday Agreement as those of our nationalist neighbours about a hard land border.

Secondly, we do not support a second referendum.

The Brexit process has seen our nation grow increasingly divided, any attempt to re-run the 2016 referendum would only serve to deepen divisions.

And finally, leaving the European Union without a sensible deal is not an option.

We simply can`t afford to take a step into the unknown. I understand that people are keen to see Brexit delivered, but it has to be done in a way which protects business, our agri-food sector and gives maximum opportunity to our young people for the future.

It is not in Northern Ireland’s interests and it is certainly not in the interests of the pro-union population here.

We know that Nationalism is attempting to use Brexit as a key opportunity to realise their ultimate ideal.

There are those who will attempt to use the outcome as an excuse for a border poll. 

That is why is it is vital that I am returned as a pro-union voice who will help to bring some certainty, rather than the instability being offered by those who will seek another referendum, whether on EU Membership or Irish Unity.

I am very clear that whether you voted leave or remain I will be your voice – how many of the other candidates who have put themselves forward can say that?

I hear the misrepresentation from some quarters of Unionists who voted to remain within the EU, as though they voted to leave the United Kingdom, what nonsense! Unionists realise the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom – that is the Union that is important and that is the Union that we must protect.

For however long I am required as a representative to the EU I will be there, always putting Northern Ireland`s interests first.

It’s time for common sense.

Outgoing Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has always worked in the best interests of all of the people of Northern Ireland.

In all of my work I have always worked in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.

And I will do so again.

I have said before that this job could last five weeks, five months or five years.

But even if it is for a short period of time, it does not mean those who are elected will not have huge implications for Northern Ireland’s long-term future.

As a Unionist, I want to protect the Union that matters most and protects everyone most.   That is the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I do not want to see a situation where post-23 May all our people are plunged into further uncertainty as nationalism ramps up calls for a border poll.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, the Ulster Unionist Party have put forward proposals on how to deal with the dreaded backstop, indeed we are the only Party that I am aware has done so.

Our proposals would develop positive economic and social relationships between the UK and Republic of Ireland.

If there is a sensible Brexit it would be a win, win for local businesses, the economy and community, don’t throw that away for petty selfish political reasons.

This is the time to put Northern Ireland first.

This is the time to end the uncertainty. 

This is the time to vote for stability.

That`s why I am asking you to come out and vote Number 1 for me Danny Kennedy on Thursday 23rd May.