THE DUP has unveiled its assembly election manifesto with a promise of more jobs and increased household incomes if it emerges as Stormont's largest party.
The loyalist heartland of the Shankill Road provided the backdrop to Monday's launch, with new leader Arlene Foster occupying centre stage.
The first minister's vision is of a "strong, safe and stable Northern Ireland", with her policies seeking to keep the region "moving in the right direction".
Ms Foster's name and image occupy greater prominence in the manifesto than either of her predecessors ever did.
Indications of a new era are hinted at in the party's more open approach to political donations and its embracing of the ambitious 'greenway' network plan. Elsewhere, however, it is largely business as usual.
The economy is once again central to the DUP's policy blueprint, with a pledge to create "50,000 more jobs" and give councils the ability to set lower business rates.
The possibility of reducing corporation tax below the 12.5 per cent currently envisaged is also suggested – a move that could niggle Sinn Féin with its hopes of a 32-county rate.
The priority given to health in the manifesto suggests the DUP will again choose to take charge of this portfolio if available.
The party pledges to spend at least an additional £1 billion on health by the end of the next mandate, alongside bolstering frontline staff and tackling waiting lists.
On education, there are promises to defend academic selection, while addressing under-achievement and investing in shared campuses.
As part of an "education equality agenda", the DUP also says it will tackle the "preferential treatment of Irish medium in school build" and seek to abolish the Catholic Teacher Training Certificate.
Spending on roads and transport infrastructure will continue, the manifesto says, with consideration given to several initiatives involving the private sector.
The DUP says it will, if necessary, "utilise the asset sale flexibilities in the Fresh Start Agreement", though rather than selling-off the 'crown jewels' such as Belfast Port, finance minister Simon Hamilton insists this is little more than a rationalisation of the civil service estate.
Notably, traditional DUP big ticket issues like flags and parades barely figure in the manifesto.
There's a commitment to the "display of the national flag from public buildings on a 365 day basis", though on marching it merely states support for "new legislation for a fresh start on the how parades and protests are dealt with".
The party's call for reform of the political donations system will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows, as will its call for change in the Stormont expenses system, which was given a clean bill of health during last year's Fresh Start negotiations.
Its revised stance on donations includes a bid to stop parties receiving money from outside the UK – something both the SDLP and Sinn Féin would be unhappy about.
Ms Foster said the choice of venue on the Shankill was deliberate in that it demonstrated her party's "determination to see (former Ulster Democratic Party councillor) Frank McCoubrey win a seat for unionism in West Belfast on May 5".
"How fitting it would be for unionism to take a seat directly from Sinn Féin in this historic year," she said. "Let us work to bring it about."
Deputy leader Nigel Dodds once again raised concerns about the possibility of Martin McGuinness assuming the first minister's role.
He claimed a "split and shredded" unionist vote in the 2014 European election had led to a "Sinn Féin victory".
"And make no mistake, it could happen again unless we are able to take our message to every person and every part of Northern Ireland," Mr Dodds said.
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What's in the manifesto?
:: Increase health budget by at least £1bn over five years to employ more doctors and nurses and reduce waiting times
:: Create 50,000 more jobs
:: Give £1,000 to everyone who is 100 years old or more when Northern Ireland reaches its centenary in 2021
:: Maintain university fees at level that will keep places affordable
:: Support for political donations regime that exists in Britain – including bar on accepting money from outside UK
