Time For Stormont Is Now - Empey
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey has said that the time for devolution is now – and that five minutes spent at polling stations will ensure the greatest possible chance for progress to be made.
In a statement, Sir Reg said: “This is now the third successive election to the restored Stormont, the Northern Ireland Assembly. Despite all the difficulties, despite the disappointments, despite the setbacks, we have again an opportunity to elect a local Assembly and a regional government for this part of the United Kingdom.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has given its pledge to the electorate that we will take our seats in government on 26th March - delivering accountable government for Northern Ireland. We will stand by that pledge. While others seek to cover-up party divisions through strenuously avoiding the devolution question, Ulster Unionism is united in its conviction that Northern Ireland needs devolution.
“The challenges facing Northern Ireland - water charges, domestic and business rates, education reform, economic growth, environmental protection - need to be addressed through Ministers and Assembly Members accountable to the people of Northern Ireland.
“Government through remote, unaccountable Direct Rule Ministers cannot deliver the progress our society needs and deserves. And without devolution, unaccountable Direct Rule Ministers will be joined by Dublin Ministers, equally unaccountable to the people of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, needs devolution now - not at some indeterminate, undefined future date.
“If we are to move towards normal politics in Northern Ireland - if we are to be governed as are our fellow-citizens in Scotland and Wales - if we are to have enduring stability in our society, we need devolution.
“I urge the people of Northern Ireland to exercise their democratic franchise tomorrow, to vote Ulster Unionist, to support those who promise a Stormont that will work for Northern Ireland rather than deliver the stalemate of ‘a battle a day’. The time for being spectators in our own country is past. It is now time to ensure that Stormont works for all of us.”