04 October 2010
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister
“Are the people of Northern Ireland about to be fed more false financial promises? In March 2007 the DUP pledged no devolution without an adequate financial package (“We have made it clear that resolution of this issue is a precondition for establishing devolution.” 2007 DUP Manifesto). The reality in 2007 was that they were so desperate for power they settled not for a meaningful financial package but a few tokens: grand talk about a Billion, faded into £50m!
“Earlier this year the same trick was pulled with policing and justice, this time £800m was majestically talked about, but no Minister has ever been able to produce a table showing how £800m was actually acquired. Instead, just months later, we have a Policing Board and Chief Constable unable to fund the quota of officers they need.
“Now, the First Minister talks about undelivered pledges from Treasury, made at St Andrews, which could be a shield for Northern Ireland against the worst of the cuts. The obvious observation is why 4 years on, if such pledges were made, have these matters not been nailed down, especially during the time of the Labour Government that made them. Who was asleep on the job?
“Before devolution was when the local parties had the most leverage, but the rush for power ensured that leverage was squandered. Whereas, I hope for the least pain for Northern Ireland, I lack confidence that those, who put power in 2007 and policing and justice powers in 2010 before matching and necessary financial packages of substance, will deliver now.
NI politics
