SF’s “intemperate rhetoric” on Equality Bill motion self-defeating - McNarry
Following on from today’s motion on a Single Equality Bill in Stormont, Ulster Unionist Chief Whip David McNarry has said:
“It is with deep regret that the Ulster Unionist Party today witnessed the intemperate rhetoric from the Sinn Fein Assembly benches that many in Northern Ireland had hoped was a thing of the past. Our Assembly Group – in the best traditions of parliamentary democracy – approached the debate with an open-mind, willing to support the principle of a Single Equality Bill.
“However, as the debate progressed it became clear that Sinn Fein MLAs regarded the motion as an opportunity to vent outdated prejudices. What should have been a measured, thoughtful debate by the Northern Ireland Assembly on equality legislation for the 21st century became nothing more than biased finger-wagging by Sinn Fein representatives.
“As my colleagues stated in the Chamber, the UUP is committed to equality of opportunity for all in Northern Ireland. We want a Single Equality Bill that secures an equality agenda for the 21st century – guaranteeing equality for women, the disabled, ethnic minorities and older people.
“Sinn Fein’s inability to promote consensus within the Assembly is a worrying indication of future developments both within the Assembly and OFMDFM.”