Where are Ministers hiding?
05 November 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
“I don’t know if my experience is unique, or arises from political animus towards me, but certainly I am finding Executive Ministers notably more inaccessible than their Direct Rule predecessors.
On 6th August I asked for a meeting with the First Minister to discuss EU issues. Despite a reminder, some 3 months later I am still awaiting even an acknowledgement! On 24th August I asked for a meeting with DETI Minister, Nigel Dodds, to discuss a constituency issue. I am still waiting.
With more than twice as many Ministers looking after the same number of departments, why is it taking at least twice as long to get a meeting with supposedly accessible, accountable local ministers?
I can see an EU Commissioner, who looks after 450 million citizens, within a couple of weeks of asking, but I can’t get meetings with local ministers who boasted of bringing government closer to the people. If my political opposition to the present regime is playing any part in these delays, then it suggests petulance as well as inefficiency.”
