Review of Jim Allister's book

07 January 2006

Copy of Gavin Robinson's review in the News Letter (07/01/06) of Jim Allister's recently-published book.

The local media does not give a high profile to political representation in Europe. Despite the ever increasing influence of the EU ,which permeates every aspect of life in N Ireland - from economic activity to human rights – very little of what our elected representatives  say or do in Europe is reported and then usually only in time of crisis. In 2005 alone MEPs voted almost 5000 times on legislation with the potential to affect us all.

The official website of the European Parliament provides a record of the performance, attendance and speeches of our three MEPs. This confirms that Jim Allister is still keeping his election day lead, having made 49 speeches in the eighteen month period since the European Election, as opposed to 15 by Jim Nicholson and 21 by De Brun. This, of course, is in addition to the active role he plays in both the Fisheries and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

It is worth remembering that debates in the European Parliament are very different from those in Westminster. All speeches have to be simultaneously translated into all the official languages so each member can understand what is being said. With a multitude of issues to be debated, strict time limits are imposed on all speakers. On most occasions a speaker is allocated speaking time in advance, varying from one to five minutes. This discipline can concentrate the mind wonderfully! As an aside, can you imagine a five minute sermon?

Jim Allister has recently published a book of his parliamentary speeches, entitled “Leading for Ulster, Speaking for You”, which breathes some life into the official record. The speeches   reveal a surprising blend of topics ranging from world affairs to the more parochial and give an insight into the rich variety of European affairs. For ease of reference they have been organized into eight sections.

His maiden speech, delivered within two days of taking his seat, sets the tone for his often caustic take on the topic under debate. He took the opportunity to “compliment and reassure Mr Ahern on his continuing mastery of the English language” so that he might abandon the notion of wasting millions of euros of taxpayers’ money on making Irish yet another official language. Sadly, Bertie, present as outgoing President of the European council, was not persuaded!

Naturally many of Jim Allister’s speeches relate to serious issues, which leave little room for humour. He was the first member of Parliament to speak after the news came through of the London bombs and, of course, he made the link to our own experience of terrorism. This section also includes his dramatic and powerful speech on the murder of Robert McCartney, which received national coverage.

As you would expect, there are many speeches relating to issues which affect our economy: agriculture, fishing and business. Perhaps more surprising are those addressing such diverse moral issues as same-sex marriage, the planned egg cell trade and religious freedom on which he has equally strong and considered views.

The speeches reveal considerable skill in finding ways to promote N Ireland’s identity at every opportunity. Holland’s rejection of the European Constitution in June 2005 prompted a tongue in cheek reference to King Billy who had also saved Europe from political tyranny!

Football might seem an unlikely subject to feature in a book of political speeches yet somehow Allister succeeded in weaving N Ireland’s victory over England at Windsor Park on 7^th September into a speech the following day! Again, in one of the last speeches recorded, Jim Allister paid a sincere tribute to George Best’s “dazzling and electrifying skills which put him in a league of his own”.

This well-produced book makes for very interesting reading and goes a long way to show how this particular MEP has been spending his time in Europe: “leading for Ulster, speaking for you in Europe”. The book is available free of charge from his office at 139 Holywood Road, Belfast (Telephone 90655011)

General