Statement from the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Group
The Ulster Unionist Party Assembly group today concluded two days of intensive and strategic talks in preparation for the forthcoming new political season at Stormont. A wide range of issues were considered in detail by those present. These included the Party’s manifesto Commitment: “Normal politics, in time, will allow parties to form genuine political coalitions and move away from the tribal, divisive politics of the past”.
Members unanimously agreed that this would be kept under on-going review and they expressed their strong view that the UUP would not be shackled or in any way restricted in pursuing their own dedicated policies within the government. The UUP will resist any attempt at control freakery by the DUP-Sinn Fein Partnership.
To this end the Group is preparing a submission to the Assembly’s Executive and Review Committee to ensure the evolution of a greater level of democratic accountability in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Assembly Group are mindful of the need in any democratic forum for a meaningful opposition role to be performed and the ability of the electorate to choose and change the Government in Northern Ireland. The present arrangements at Stormont do not currently provide for this.
The Group also re-iterated their strong view that there remains no public confidence for the forseable future for the transfer of Policing and Justice powers to the local Assembly. Other important issues considered were:
# The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey updated Members on measures his department is taking in respect of suicide prevention.
# The viability and siting of any proposed National Stadium and clear opposition to the creation of a political shrine at the Maze site.
# The Review of Public Administration, particularly the need for 15 local Councils
# Environmental and Planning Issues – inc. PPS 14
# The Party’s position on the proposed Irish Language Act
Speaking after the two-day event, Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said,
“We are focussed, determined and fully preparing to continue to make a decisive contribution in the forthcoming political season. The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to shape the best possible political future for all of the people of Northern Ireland.”