THE Ulster Unionist leader has warned that apathy among the unionist electorate could allow local councils in the North to fall under the control or influence of republicans.
Speaking as he unveiled his party's manifesto in Belfast Mr David Trimble said it was regrettable that Sinn Fein received 16 per cent of the poll in the Westminster elections.
He called on all unionists to vote in the local government elections on May 21st.
"The republican share of the vote is increased by unionists staying at home," he said.
"In certain areas this apathy could cause local councils to fall under the control of extremist republicans.
"A strong vote for the UUP can prevent councils such as Belfast, Limavady, Fermanagh and Dungannon falling under the control of those who support terrorist violence and cynically manipulate the democratic process.
"A vote for Sinn Fein/IRA is a vote for murder whereas a vote for the UUP is a vote for democracy.
"It is a vote for responsible local government as opposed to pointless protest politics."
The UUP won almost 200 seats ill the last local government elections but the Progressive Unionists, the Ulster Democratic Party, and the UK Unionist Party will contest a range of seats across the North this time.
But Mr Trimble said the UUP vote in the Westminster poll showed a strong swing back to his party.
The UUP chose to introduce its manifesto beside the new Waterfront Concert Hall in Belfast city centre.
Mr Trimble said the venue was chosen because it symbolised all that could be achieved by responsible councillors.