uuptoday.org

UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey today vowed the UUP would oppose ‘tooth and nail’ any attempts to resurrect the OTRs proposal as it emerged that the Secretary of State Peter Hain has been in contact with the American Attorney General to try and move the proposal forward.

In a statement Sir Reg said,

“Despite the Secretary of State assuring the political parties here that an amnesty for OTRs was off the political table and giving the impression that this distasteful side-deal which should never have seen the light of day in the first place would be consigned to the dustbin where it belongs, it appears he has been working behind the scenes with the American Attorney General to keep the issue of OTRS alive.

It seems he is intent on trying to resurrect this proposal that is deeply divisive as it does not command the support of a majority of parties here.

The question has to be asked whether this is yet another side deal emanating from the St Andrews Agreement? It also means that the glossy DUP ‘Your Verdict’ document needs to go back to the printers as in the Belfast Agreement v St Andrews Agreement section it states: ‘As a result of the present negotiations the Government has agreed to abandon proposals to give an amnesty to ‘On The Runs’.’

The UUP remains utterly opposed to this insulting and ill thought out proposal and we stand ready to oppose it tooth and nail should it rear its ugly head again.”

Speaking from the ‘Making It Happen’ conference, which was hosted by the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability, UUP Health Spokesperson, Rev Robert Coulter MLA, has today congratulated the review group for setting a radical reform agenda for mental health services in Northern Ireland.

In a statement, the North Antrim MLA said: “The report by the Bamford Review sets down a challenge for Northern Ireland.

“The historic underinvestment in our mental health services in comparison to the rest of the UK, higher levels of mental ill-health, and the impact of mental health on families, communities and business all point to the pressing need for the Bamford recommendations to be implemented.

“Northern Ireland needs modern mental health services that respect the fundamental dignity of service users and is orientated towards recovery. Children and young people must have access to mental health services which far surpass present provision. And the promotion of mental health – so crucial to our social and economic wellbeing – must become a key concern for government.”

He added: “Through the Bamford Review, the next Executive has a roadmap towards delivering the mental health and learning disability resources that Northern Ireland urgently requires.

“If we are to move further forward as a fair and decent society, the voice of Bamford must be heeded and its recommendations implemented.”

“Following the recent proposed agreement and the ensuing consultation process within Unionism I feel it is vital that a strong pragmatic Unionist position is argued. There is a fundamental question which all who support a strong Northern Ireland at peace with itself within the United Kingdom MUST ask themselves. Are Unionisms and Northern Ireland PLCs best interest served via an Devolved inclusive mandatory coalition including Sinn Fein or should we stick with Direct rule? Anyone who thinks that there is any other possible outcome (i.e. one that excludes Sinn Fein) should now finally realise as a result of St Andrews that the exclusion of Sinn Fein is a complete non starter from our governments perspective.

The positive side of Direct Rule is that we do not have former IRA terrorists in ministerial positions of power within Northern Ireland but I passionately believe that the negatives are of far more of a threat to our citizens than that of a defeated Republican idealism who have lost the only thing that ever really mattered to them, a United Ireland.

Firstly Direct Rule is not as we have always known it. It is joint rule and the economic and cultural pain that would be hoisted on us all should we not agree to govern ourselves needs to be spelt out. The current line being spun by Government is that we are top of the UKs dependency table, that our subsidised existence will be brought to a shuddering halt and that we are all going to have to start paying far more for everything. Of course like a lot of Blair and Hains spin the truth lies somewhere else. Mr Blairs own constituency of Washington lies within the worse performing region of the UK, the North East. Mr Hains, South Wales is only marginally above us. Can you even begin to imagine the political and civil fall out if they raised Council Taxes in those labour heartlands by 19% as they did here last year with our regional rate. There would be wide spread civil disobedience. Unfortunately there is a lot more were that came from if we don’t get our collective act together.

Business is being crippled by the removal of Industrial Derating at a time when we are already seeing interest rate rises and significant rises in company National Insurance contributions. The differences in Corporation Tax rates between us and our cross border competitor is also a big issue although I do not believe this to be the answer to all our economic investment woes. Firstly the real Corporation Tax the majority of NI companies pay is significantly less that the much bandied 30% rate and also personal taxation is also still higher in the Republic. That said, and this is the reason why I believe movement is possible on the Corporation tax issue, it is the headline lower rate that will attract inward investors and probably wont cost the treasury that much. Water rates, fuel costs, electricity costs are all overheads that are critical to the success of Northern Ireland PLC and whilst we divorce ourselves from the difficult choices that lie ahead by staying out of Devolution, there is an argument to say “don’t then bleat about the outcomes you don’t approve of”. Of course if we do return to a local administration all of the issues above would have to be prioritised as suddenly WE would have to make the tough decisions to balance the books rather than picking on every populist issue and cry, more, more, more without saying how we propose to pay for it. This is the politics of the playground that have seen nearly 50% of our electorate not bother to vote.

We need a mature, costed, programme of Government that rewards innovation and entrepreneurial sprit at the same time as looking after societies most needy and vulnerable citizens. That is real politics were difficult choices are debated and a hard fought consensus is reached and stood over.

Our education system DOES need a major overhaul. Lets retain and be proud of the best via the retention of academic selection and some of the UKs best Grammar schools and remember we are now the only part of the UK were this is available to all citizens on the basis of ability alone and not your ability to pay. Unfortunately at the other end of the spectrum we are failing children, parents and Industry by not equipping them with the much in demand secular skills that society and business are crying out for. This will require radical action and for me could turn our economy round in a far more sustainable way that mere fiscal measurers. Northern Ireland has by far the most economically inactive working age population of any UK region. 500,000 of us, of working age, are not looking for work. What a massive untapped resource. What are WE going to do about it? Do you think that an English minister here a few times a month will give that as much focus as a local minister?

Over a decade ago we in the UUP mapped out a vision for a Northern Ireland secure within the Union and striding confidently forward into the 21st Century. A Northern Ireland were all sections of our people were respected and in turn were society demanded core British values of decency and cherishing diversity in return. All of us in general but the two main Unionist political parties in particular have reached the point of no return. Do we simply lobby and carp from the sidelines while Stephen from Sussex does what ever he wants or do we get stuck into the massive array of issues that our people voted us all in to resolve. Peace, prosperity and safeguarding OUR fellow Ulster citizens must surely be THE major priority for us all, regardless of colour, creed or religious affiliation. The time is now to finally to take the decisive move forward.”

UUP Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy today responded to comments made by Peter Robinson in the Newsletter and accused the DUP deputy leader of trying to hide behind others.

In a statement Mr Kennedy said,

“The fact that Peter Robinson is still trying to hide behind others illustrates the weakness of his case. There is no dispute anymore that the St Andrews Agreement is a greener version of the Belfast Agreement; more north south bodies, more for ex prisoners, an Irish language act, access to top civil service posts for Irish civil servants and more powers for the human rights commission.

On the other side of the coin the DUP is claiming that they have forced republicans to do things which they would otherwise not have done. Oh really? Decommissioning was started not because of the DUP but in spite of them; as for policing, SF should support policing because it is the right thing to do, not because they get a bunch of concessions for it.

Peter Robinson said that DUP would be in the driving seat at St Andrews. They have nobody else to blame if there are further dents in Ulster’s bodywork as a result.

The fundamental issue is that after years of opposing any solutions, and in particular the 1998 Belfast Agreement, Ian Paisley is now proposing power sharing with Sinn Fein, something which was previously unimaginable.

Every unionist leader before him was abused and criticised. Yet he now proposes to be sharing joint office with Martin McGuinness. So what has the turmoil in unionism been about? While all the wasted years? What has changed?

Nobody else is to blame for the greening of the Belfast Agreement that St Andrews represents except the DUP itself. It’s their deal and they didn’t have to do it.”

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, accompanied by Fermanagh and South Tyrone UUP MLA, Tom Elliott visited Fermanagh recently to view progress on the construction of a new 18 hole, 240 acre golf course with luxury hotel and golf lodges.

The tour of Lough Erne Golf club, conducted by project manager Michael Treacy, gave Jim a chance to see for himself the plans for the new complex.

The warm summer has meant that work has been able to advance at a steady pace, with the hotel and lodges due for completion in 2007 and the course itself ready for play the following year.

Speaking after the visit Mr Nicholson said,

“From what I have seen today of the golf course and other facilities the Lough Erne Golf Club has the potential to rank amongst the top courses in the world.

“The complex will no doubt benefit from the guidance of Nick Faldo, who I know has been very proactive in the design of the course, his input should ensure that the end product is something very special.  A venture such as this will have a positive impact on the economy as a whole, as golfers are traditionally high spend visitors, this is particularly the case when clubs host events, such as the Ryder Cup.

“The Treacy family and their team are making a substantial investment into this project and I wish it every success for the future, in particular in their bid to host the 2011 Solheim Cup.

The Solheim Cup was founded in 1990 and features teams of top female golfers from Europe and the USA competing for the trophy, next year the competition will be held in Sweden with the 2009 contest is to be staged in Illinois.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Tom Elliott, added:  “Earlier this year ‘Destination Fermanagh’ was launched, this initiative is intended to market Fermanagh as a holiday destination in an increasingly competitive market.

“Fermanagh has stunning scenery, great walking opportunities and excellent fishing, yet there is still the need for innovative events to attract tourists.  The recent bid by the Lough Erne Golf Club to host the Solheim Cup in 2011 has great potential to bring Fermanagh to a worldwide audience.”

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson said this evening that Northern Ireland PLC needs a vibrant International Airport if it is to compete effectively on the global stage.

Mr Nicholson, accompanied by South Antrim UUP MLA Jim Wilson, met with the Managing Director of Belfast International Airport, John Doran recently to discuss the airport’s ambitious new master plan 2005-2030 which sets out the proposed development of the airport and its economic contribution to Northern Ireland.

In a statement Mr Nicholson said,

“I have always believed that Northern Ireland requires a vibrant International Airport with efficient air connections to mainland UK, Europe and further a field, if it is to compete effectively on the global stage. I am glad to see the recent expansion of air routes to Europe and North America from Belfast International.

“The expansion envisaged in Belfast International’s draft master plan is welcome news for Northern Ireland PLC. However, any physical expansion of the airport would have to be carefully managed in partnership with local residents who live near the airport and should not compromise basic environmental standards.

“The cost of flying abroad has been significantly reduced in recent years with the advent of low cost airlines and more competition in routes. It is clear that this and the improved air links from Northern Ireland have helped our local businesses to grow, given a vital boost the local economy and made it easier for local people to travel abroad.

“The airport’s plan is ambitious but ambition is what Northern Ireland needs if our economy is to be fit for purpose in the future.”

Ulster Unionist DETI Spokesperson Roy Beggs Jnr has said that the approach of local parties to their meeting with Gordon Brown has been a heartening exercise – one that demonstrates the value and capacity of politicians here to work in collaboration for the greater good of the people that live here.

In a statement, Mr Beggs said: “When all the political parties collaborated closely on a joint approach to meeting with the Chancellor there was a glimpse – a signal of what can be possible in the future.

“A united all-Party approach on matters of local finance is more preferable than the all-island approach to finance which has emerged from the NIO of late. When nationalist and unionist parties cooperate at this level Northern Ireland works better for all of us.

“A united approach puts out a powerful message that progressive, pragmatic politics works. This is the most effective way of putting Northern Ireland’s case to government.

“Because we know here that when Whitehall’s interests clash with the will of the people living here – there is one winner. Mainland policy will always trump local aspirations.

“That’s why Whitehall Labour and NIO Labour are two distinct entities. And would it really have been any better under NIO Tories?

“Tories have no experience of working in devolved institutions – they campaigned for No votes in Scotland and Wales; they want to promote MPs from the Home Counties over Northern Ireland’s representatives; but they oppose devolved regional assemblies in English regions.

“Can the Tory Party really be said to have sympathy for the devolution project? Can this Party be trusted to support and deliver for Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions?

“Northern Ireland has the potential to enter into an era of new, progressive politics. That means local decision-making taking primacy over the NIO, and the Tory and Labour parties in Northern Ireland affairs. Working, sustainable devolution is the best way to make life better for all of us.”

Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone assembly member, Tom Elliott, has welcomed the launch of a mixed community social housing scheme in Carran Crescent, near Enniskillen, today.

In a statement, Mr Elliott said: “A mixed social housing scheme of this nature has not been seen in Northern Ireland for a generation. This development is indicative of the change that has taken place within Northern Ireland society in recent times.

“Segregation affects how we live and it affects where we live. According to one newspaper report a couple of years ago, 92.5% of all 100,000 public homes are segregated. Old barriers must be overcome if we are to rise above the legacy of conflict and division, and promote good relations through socially cohesive, vibrant communities.

“While issues relating to segregation are deep-seated and cannot be solved by housing alone, I think that the Carran Crescent scheme is a welcome boost to the ongoing work of groups such as Community Relations Council and associated stakeholder and community groups over recent years.”

Speaking ahead of the talks with Chancellor Gordon Brown in London on Wednesday, UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey said the opportunity existed for Northern Ireland to once again become a hub of innovation and enterprise.

In a statement Sir Reg said,

“The talks with Chancellor Gordon Brown in London on Wednesday present politicians and the business community in Northern Ireland with a once in a lifetime opportunity to lay the foundations for a revival of our sluggish economy. We have the chance of significant tax changes which would radically increase our competitiveness by reducing costs and rewarding specific investment.”

The former Economy minister added;

“Rising energy costs, poor infrastructure, increasing rates and a mismatch between the needs of industry and the current skills of our workforce all combine to make it difficult for us to compete in world markets. Radical solutions are required, and the opportunities now presenting themselves must be seized by all the parties this week.

We all have our own particular emphasis on specific measures, but there is a consensus on the way ahead and we must use this to maximum effect when we talk to Gordon Brown. With the Chancellor likely to be the next Prime Minister we have additional leverage which may not come again.

Northern Ireland used to be a major hub of innovation and enterprise in the United Kingdom. The years of strife seem to have extinguished the flame of entrepreneurship that once fuelled our wealth creation. It now falls to us to back business and those who take risks. If politicians will not do so how can we expect the business community to do so? Only if we can create the right conditions for a revival will we be acting in the best interests of the entire community.”

Ulster Unionist Local Government spokesman, Sam Gardiner MLA, today questioned the wisdom of creating very large units of local government which would remove decision making further and further away from the people.

The Upper Bann MLA’s comments come after it emerged that in a YouGov poll, 80% want elected councillors setting local priorities and 73% of people supported giving neighbourhoods greater control of some services and budgets.

“This poll demonstrates that there is a real desire at a very local level for people to have a real involvement in and input into the issues that affect their neighbourhoods.

My concern about 7 big super-councils in Northern Ireland is that they will remove decision making too far away from local people. That is bad for democracy.”

“The whole process of public administration reform has been driven by government efficiency savings and by civil service thinking on the optimum size of administrative units for those efficiency savings. This has outweighed the principle of democracy and, in particular, local democracy.”

“It is hard to accept that, at a time when the Government in England is trying to push decisions further and further down the line to local parish councils for example that we in Northern Ireland are having big remote councils foisted on us.”

“At the very least these new findings should make us take another look at Civic Councils – to operate under the umbrella of the new big councils. These must be civic councils with real teeth and real budgets so that local people can take decisions through local elected representatives which affect their locality and neighbourhood.”