Ulster can't afford more DUP neglect in Europe - Allister
01 June 2009
Statement by Traditional Unionist Voice Leader, Jim Allister QC MEP:-
“The dearth of policy and interest in Europe by the party, which arrogantly demands Unionists vote for it, is quite staggering. Not only are EU issues relegated almost out of sight in its manifesto and Europe merits only two sentences in its election communication, but the established record of the DUP in Europe marks utter neglect of Ulster’s issues there.
Anxious as the DUP is to capture a seat in Brussels – though more as a piece of silverware for its trophy cabinet, than as a means to working for Northern Ireland – its record in Europe is appalling.
- Edwin Potts MLA is supposed to represent Northern Ireland on the important Committee of the Regions in Brussels: he didn’t bother to turn up at all in 2007 and only twice in 2008!
- Nigel Dodds MP MLA is supposed to represent Northern Ireland on the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. He has bothered to turn up once since 2006! John Taylor previously did this job with great dedication and effect, but since Nigel Dodds took over the role it has been a story of utter neglect and indolence. The Republic has 4 seats there, but thanks to DUP neglect Northern Ireland goes unrepresented. Ulster is paying a huge price for the DUP’s double and triple jobbing.
It is against this background – along with Ian Paisley’s two oral parliamentary questions in 5 years (1999-2004) – that the voters should judge the sincerity of the DUP’s empty promises to suddenly have sufficient interest to represent Northern Ireland in Europe.
Delivering for Northern Ireland in Brussels is not an easy task. It takes full-time effort and determined representation. Happily, I have demonstrated both.”
