John Andrews Address to North Down Unionist Association
In his recent address to the North Down Ulster Unionist Association, newly elected Party Officer,Johnny Andrews said the Union was secure for the foreseeable future. All sensible thinkers realize there is no practical alternative. It is important that we sell the reasons for that Union proactively and make it work for the people of Northern Ireland. Many of our natural supporters are not aware of the main benefits of the Union; lower taxes, better welfare benefits, the BBC, better and fair education and Health systems.Most people do not realize it costs €50 to see the doctor in the South.
With Sinn Fein’s criminality now spilling over the border the Republic is finally wakening up to their threat, I appeal to the Irish Government to match the statement made by our own government that they too have no selfish,economic or strategic interest in Northern Ireland.This would ensure equality of treatment as to our status by the two Governments and could help unlock the nationalist logjam that is preventing progress on the institutions particularly with regards the attitude of SDLP to power sharing.
In a recent survey less that 50% of Catholics see a unity as practical and up to 25% are broadly in favour of the Union.We need to appeal to these voters by showing we are changing to become a more broader church and to to join us. There are still doubts amongst voters that as from May 2005 we no longer have any formal link with the Orange Order.As a broad church we embrace the orange tradition and must continue to strive and represent the Orange interests to ensure peaceful marching without triumphalism thus celebrating a great cultural tradition as it was in the 50s and 60s when many Catholics joined in the festivities.
We must remove sectarianism completely from our society and promote a truly civic society in line with all modern democracies; in particular the d’ Hondt system in the assembly and the segregated education system both of which simply institutionalize sectarianism.
Mr Andrews said having received the brief from the leader,’elections and succession planning’said he wished to see branches matching District election areas ,this would ensure bigger numbers and encourage proper canvas teams in wards.Streamlining of branches was essential to make them viable.There are too many non-functioning branches.He saluted North Down for taking a lead on this with an efficient branch structure following recent branch mergers.He also emphasized the need for early selection and training of candidates through a candidate list, this was the way all modern political parties operated and would enable proper training ideally under an a new post of Education Officer who has an important role in all major modern political parties.