We must replace all Direct Rule Ministers with Locally Elected Politicians, says UUP MEP
Commenting on the departure of Lord Rooker from his day-to-day Ministerial duties in the Northern Ireland Office UUP MEP Jim Nicholson said,
“Lord Rooker is only part of the problem in Northern Ireland. The reality is that our Province needs rid of all the direct rule ministers, not just Lord Rooker.
“Direct rule is having a devastating impact upon this Province and the only way to reverse to the situation is to have locally elected politicians taking the decisions that affect local people. This is why my party has said the forthcoming interim Assembly must have, as its prime focus, the restoration of devolution.
“My problems with Lord Rooker are well known and well documented. His tenure in Northern Ireland was characterised by a total disregard for many of the traditional industries in Northern Ireland, such as farming and fishing. They have suffered because of his ineptitude.
“I welcome the new Minister into his role and hope he treats the job with the respect and devotion that it requires. Our fishermen and farmers need someone in office they can trust.
“It is worrying that Mr Cairns will still maintain his position in the Scottish Office and I only hope that this does not interfere with his responsibilities in Northern Ireland. We cannot escape the fact that we need to replace these part time direct rule Ministers with our locally elected politicians.”