New Year Message from TUV Leader
02 January 2012
TUV can take satisfaction from the fact that in 2011 we brought a degree of Opposition to the failed Stormont. With 2012 marking the centenary of the ‘Ulster Covenant’, based on the demand for ‘equal citizenship’ within the United Kingdom, in this New Year it will be timely to push forward the democratic agenda.
The fundamental democratic rights of the people being able to change their government and see that government challenged and held to account by an Official Opposition, are a priority. We can’t go on being the only place in the democratic world where these fundamentals are denied and where terrorists in government are meekly accepted. The people of the Republic in 2011 gave Martin McGuinness his marching orders, but here in Northern Ireland, through the absurdity of mandatory coalition and compliant unionism, he is cocooned in office.
The challenge of 2012 is not just to TUV to keep up the pressure, but for others to face up to reality. Stormont may be working for the politicians, but certainly not for the people. Though this year there is supposed to be a focus on improving the dysfunctional structures of Stormont, the prospect of the DUP forcing the issue is slight. Oh yes, there will be lip service to the need to move to voluntary coalition and a proper Opposition, but nothing will be done to face down the Sinn Fein veto by which all such empty talk will perish. Why, because, sadly, power, any power, is more important!
In one sense, the challenge to the downtrodden parties of the Executive, the UUP and SDLP, is even stronger. Will this be another year of humiliation for them, where within the Executive they will be told what to do, be it implementing11 Councils or a revamped A5, and, where once more a democratic bypass will see David Ford installed as Justice Minister by the Sinn Fein/ DUP cabal?
Will 2012 end as it begins with the travesty of 2 Alliance ministers from their 8 MLAs, while the UUP’s 16 and SDLP’s 14 MLAs produce a single token minister for each? The answer lies in the UUP’s and SDLP’s own hands. Of course, for the sake of a semblance – but no substance - of power they can underpin the undemocratic structures which so mocks their mandate, or they can lead in demanding and obtaining the status of Opposition and, thereby, help put the failing DUP/Sinn Fein government under the pressure it deserves. As I have demonstrated there is life and effect outside the Executive. I trust the UUP and SDLP might have the appetite to taste it.
Quite apart from the democratic challenge of 2012, no doubt the economic challenge will be daunting. At least we have the comfort of being outside the disastrous Eurozone, but we must build on this advantage by further shaking off the shackles of the EU and developing our trade with the more distant and successful new economies. Equally, real help to small business, rather than chasing the moonbeam of lower corporation tax for the elite of big business, is the key to rebooting our economy.
I wish the people of Northern Ireland a happy and peaceful New Year. May 2012 bring better things for Northern Ireland; the answer in part lies in our own hands.
