THE SDLP candidate in North Belfast, Mr Alban Maginness, has said the most important confidence-building measure necessary for the peace process is a new and unequivocal IRA ceasefire.
He accused the republican movement of lacking the courage to grasp current opportunities for political progress.
"Bombs on the road and rail network and at airports and major ports in Britain are not confidence-building measures and are hardly likely to persuade whoever forms the next British government that Sinn Fein should be permitted to enter talks on June 3rd," he said.
Meanwhile, the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, said a vote for Sinn Fein would be a vote for an end to all violence. He said Sinn Fein wanted to make peace with the British government and the unionists.
"We have tried to bring the conflict to an end and we are still trying," he said.
"With others, Sinn Fein created a solid foundation for peace over two years ago. The blueprint is there - it just has to be taken up.
Sinn Fein can be trusted to play our full part in making it happen."
The Ulster Unionist candidate in North Antrim, Mr James Leslie, said his party was working to create a society where young people did not have to emigrate.
"It is to secure jobs and prosperity for the future that we are working," he said.
"Those who are voting for the first time can be confident that a vote for the UUP is a vote for the future of us all within a secured union."
The Conservative candidate in East Belfast, Ms Sarah Dines, has defended the government's record on education and described the standards in schools as "exceptional".
The UUP MP for East Antrim, Mr Roy Beggs, has expressed concern at the possibility of water privatisation.
"I have seen the disaster that privatisation of water has been on the mainland and I don't want it here. It has led to soaring costs," he said.
The Women's Coalition candidate for South Belfast, Ms Annie Campbell, said she was placing poverty high on the political agenda.
Key social actors must put all their strength to combating the existence of an underclass in our midst. It is fundamental to establishing a society which provides a sense of belonging for all its citizens," she added.