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North Down MLA Leslie Cree Ulster Unionist Enterprise Trade and Investment spokesperson has raised concerns that the Department for Regional Development and DETI are missing an ideal opportunity to work together to develop a logical, effective and inclusive infrastructure that would maximise Northern Ireland’s tourist and commercial assets.

In a statement Mr Cree said,

“I think it is something of an embarrassment that we have a situation in Northern Ireland whereby there is no direct rail link to either of our two major airports. Sydenham Station which previously linked the City Airport to Belfast and North Down is now floating in no man’s land. With some strategic thinking and relatively limited investment we could create a link that provides both for the airport and the new Ikea store. The Ikea store is generating great interest both North and South and a proper rail link could open up this asset to scores more people who would then be able to go on to explore North Down, Belfast and beyond. Similarly with relatively little investment the International Airport could be linked to the existing rail network. These are the types of issues the Regional Development Minister and the Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister need to be discussing sooner rather than later so that the necessary plans can be put in place as soon as possible.

Our Ministers need to start thinking more strategically to gain the most out of our commercial and tourist market and also the opportunities that inward investment from India and the United States will bring to the Northern Ireland marketplace.

When people come to Northern Ireland from the UK and the Republic of Ireland to shop, go to a concert or visit areas of natural beauty we need to ensure that they do not leave straight away but avail of more of our attractions. Adequate infrastructure linking these attractions is a must.

The environment is also a key issue in this debate. Now with ever increasing pressure being forced on Governments to make real differences to their carbon footprints there is a genuine opportunity, if courageous and strategic decisions are made, for Northern Ireland to take the lead in implementing partnerships in Government that will help to achieve the desired results. This can be achieved with minimum expenditure if our existing infrastructure is used more effectively. It is time for some Ministers to step up to the mark and start making these tough decisions as opposed to continuing with Direct Rule lethargy.”

Basil McCrea Ulster Unionist Education spokesperson and Ken Robinson MLA for East Antrim and member of the Education Committee have declared their exasperation at the Sinn Fein Education Minister’s refusal to bring any new information before the Assembly. They also claim the Education Minister has shown contempt for the democratic process by criticising MLAs for asking questions in the Assembly and Education Committee

In a statement Mr McCrea said,

Today Minister Ruane attacked the Assembly’s Education Committee, MLAs, and the media for having the audacity to ask questions about the future of our schools. The debate in the Assembly was a frightening revelation of the Minister’s incompetence and her unwillingness to be held accountable. Accountability is at the very heart of parliamentary democracy. The purpose of the Northern Ireland Assembly is not to be a tame, safe platform for an Education Minister to mouth meaningless platitudes about ‘vision’ and ‘change’ but a chamber in which she is held to account, answering meaningful questions about her actions – or lack of them.

“It is now clear the Minister is determined on narrow, partisan ideological grounds to force a show-down with a majority of the Assembly and with the Assembly’s Education Committee. This is nothing less than a staggering abdication of her responsibility to Northern Ireland’s parents and schools”.

Mr. Robinson said, “Like many other Assembly Members I am deeply saddened that the Education Minister has – once again – refused to work with the Assembly and the Education Committee for the future of education in Northern Ireland. In her deliberately confrontational speech today, she practically boasted of her intent to ram her ill-thought out ‘vision’ through the Assembly, in the face of overwhelming opposition from the elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland. For the sake of our children’s futures she cannot be allowed to succeed in her desire to destroy Northern Ireland’s hard-earned reputation for educational excellence”.

Danny Kennedy Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader and MLA for Newry and Armagh has welcomed the Speaker’s intention to refer Sinn Fein’s Mairéad Farrell tribute to the Assembly Commission.

In a statement Mr Kennedy said,

“The Ulster Unionist Party continues to make strong representations to the Speaker, and Stormont authorities, resolutely opposing the application by Jennifer McCann and Sinn Fein to eulogise a convicted terrorist in Parliament Buildings.

We welcome the statement the Speaker has made and that the matter will now be considered urgently by the Assembly Commission. The Ulster Unionist member of the Assembly Commission Dr. Robert Coulter will be opposing this application in the strongest possible manner. We welcome and encourage others to share our position on this matter given that we were the first Party to raise the issue.

Furthermore, the proposed event would be held in the month that marks the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Corporals Howes and Wood. Those murders were amongst the most savage acts undertaken by the Republican movement – shocking civilized opinion across the globe. It is staggering to think that Ms. McCann and her Sinn Fein colleagues now seek to glorify a bitter, painful time in our recent past.”

Unlike others the Ulster Unionist Party does not equate the actions of Mairéad Farrell with the SAS and other special forces. The SAS played an essential part in defending Northern Ireland from 30 years of terrorist onslaught, an onslaught that was perpetrated by people such as Mairéad Farrell and her cohorts”.