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Basil McCrea, Ulster Unionist MLA for Lagan Valley today raised the issue of triple and even quadruple jobbing NI politicians paid by the public purse. Mr McCrea said he suspected that some Assembly Committee timings have been designed to accomodate sitting MPs.

In a statement Mr McCrea said,

“Many local politicians serve as MLAs, Chairmen of Committees, MPs, and Councillors.  How can anyone really be in London, Stormont, and Council chambers at the same time? Clearly they can’t be and I suspect that some Assembly Committees are meeting at times designed to accommodate MPs. This is unacceptable and gives the impression that many of the MPs view the Assembly as a second choice institution.

In addition to the expenses involved, the public purse will pick up the tab for flying the MP between London and Belfast for a single vote or committee meeting.  This is not exactly environmentally friendly.

There is a long list of triple or quadruple jobbing politicians here. How can anyone really serve as an effective representative covering so many roles? It’s impossible and it cheats the electorate of proper representation.

Clearly the issue of triple and even Quadruple jobbing NI politicians is a real one that should be address by the NI Assembly. The Scottish and Welsh media have ensured the issue of double jobbing MP’s is addressed.  I would urge similar scrutiny in the Northern Ireland Assembly and round the Executive table.”

Ulster Unionist assembly candidate for Lagan Valley Basil McCrea has described the loss of up to 300 jobs in Lisburn as a “tragedy”, and urged government to wake up to the needs of the manufacturing industry.

In a statement Cllr McCrea said:

“This is a major blow to the local economy – the loss of these jobs is a tragedy for each individual concerned. I hope that the 90-day consultation period will see an equitable outcome for all involved.

“Northern Ireland manufacturing can and does compete in the global economy, but it can only continue to do so if there’s sufficient investment in the skills of its people and the efficiency of its processes. But present government policy actually discourages any further investment.

“This announcement by Sanmina should act as a wake up call for Government. We urgently need a strategy to deal with these issues, and a devolved assembly is the place to do it.”

Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate for Lagan Valley, Basil McCrea, has said that, through an approach based to “innovation, partnership and responsibility”, devolution can make a real difference to our health service and the health and well-being of our community.

Mr McCrea, who today participated in a panel discussion at Ormeau Baths Gallery attended by health professionals, said that when we see what has been possible through devolution elsewhere in the United Kingdom, we “glimpse the potential for Northern Ireland’s health service under a local administration”.

Addressing the audience, Mr McCrea said: “The NHS is one of the key building blocks of a fair and shared society in Northern Ireland.

“Devolution in Northern Ireland can make a real difference to our health service and the health and well-being of our community. It can do this through innovation, partnership and responsibility.

“Innovation: it is, of course, a word that sounds very much like ‘reform’.  And in some ways we have had too much reform. When was the last year that did not see a ‘reform’ in health policy? But what Scotland and Wales have shown is that innovative policies, taking account of regional circumstances, can improve both the health service and the health of communities.

“Partnership: it may be perhaps unfair, but there is a perception that Direct Rule health policy has been ‘government by press release’. What is needed in its place is a new partnership between health professionals, communities, patients, the voluntary sector and local Ministers. This partnership – especially involving health professionals – is particularly required as a devolved Executive considers the implications of Appleby.

“Responsibility: we as elected representatives in a devolved Administration, accountable to the people of Northern Ireland, must address the long-term challenge of ill-health and secure into the future the viability of a modern NHS.”

He added: “In a divided society, we – all of us – are also brought together by the NHS. Staff, patients, families, irrespective of our backgrounds, we meet each other, work alongside each other, care for each other within the NHS.

“Working with Northern Ireland’s health professionals and health policy-makers, I am convinced that a devolved Administration can deliver a secure future both for Northern Ireland’s health service and health professionals, and improve health and well-being for our community.”

Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate for Lagan Valley, Basil McCrea, has said that, through an approach based to “innovation, partnership and responsibility”, devolution can make a real difference to our health service and the health and well-being of our community.

Mr McCrea, who today participated in a panel discussion at Ormeau Baths Gallery attended by health professionals, said that when we see what has been possible through devolution elsewhere in the United Kingdom, we “glimpse the potential for Northern Ireland’s health service under a local administration”.

Addressing the audience, Mr McCrea said: “The NHS is one of the key building blocks of a fair and shared society in Northern Ireland.

“Devolution in Northern Ireland can make a real difference to our health service and the health and well-being of our community. It can do this through innovation, partnership and responsibility.

“Innovation: it is, of course, a word that sounds very much like ‘reform’. And in some ways we have had too much reform. When was the last year that did not see a ‘reform’ in health policy? But what Scotland and Wales have shown is that innovative policies, taking account of regional circumstances, can improve both the health service and the health of communities.

“Partnership: it may be perhaps unfair, but there is a perception that Direct Rule health policy has been ‘government by press release’. What is needed in its place is a new partnership between health professionals, communities, patients, the voluntary sector and local Ministers. This partnership – especially involving health professionals – is particularly required as a devolved Executive considers the implications of Appleby.

“Responsibility: we as elected representatives in a devolved Administration, accountable to the people of Northern Ireland, must address the long-term challenge of ill-health and secure into the future the viability of a modern NHS.”

He added: “In a divided society, we – all of us – are also brought together by the NHS. Staff, patients, families, irrespective of our backgrounds, we meet each other, work alongside each other, care for each other within the NHS.

“Working with Northern Ireland’s health professionals and health policy-makers, I am convinced that a devolved Administration can deliver a secure future both for Northern Ireland’s health service and health professionals, and improve health and well-being for our community.”

Ulster Unionist Lisburn City Councillor Basil McCrea has welcomed the launch of the EHSSB Older People’s strategy today, saying it represented “important progress” toward addressing outstanding issues relating to Northern Ireland’s senior citizens.

Among those in attendance were Department of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Andrew McCormick, and representatives from ‘Belfast Healthy Cities’ and ‘Investing for Health’.

In a statement, Mr McCrea said: “The EHSSB launch of an older people’s strategy is an important development which is to be greatly welcomed.

“Today’s event at Lisburn City Council maintains the momentum toward developing strategic, joined up thinking among stakeholders and government agencies.

“We need to recognise the challenges of an aging population, and that must be founded on the basis of dignity and respect. I trust that resources will be properly targeted to ensure speedy implementation of strategy.”

He added: “This is a valuable follow on to this week’s health department survey highlighting a number of concerns for carers of elderly in the community.

“It found that about a quarter of carers said that they never had breaks from caring, and over three-fifths had breaks only occasionally. Overall around two-thirds said that they were under stress quite often.

“I believe that consideration must also be given to expanding respite care services to ensure those who contribute so much to the wellbeing of society can have their needs addressed as well.”

UUP Councillor Basil McCrea has praised the PSNI for enabling the Freedom of the City of Lisburn celebrations to go ahead following a security alert at the civic centre on Saturday.

A bomb hoax threatened to ruin the ceremony, which honoured the Northern Ireland Prison Service and at least 10 homes were evacuated while Army bomb disposal experts examined a suspect package.

Councillor McCrea said:

“The hoaxers need to understand that by creating this disruption they are consequently trying to stop progress. Ceremonies such as this help people pay homage to those who lost their lives and serves as part of the process of moving forward. To try and deny someone this legitimate right is ludicrous.

“The hoaxers may not have agreed with the event but it was felt appropriate to recognise the hard work of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and remember those who lost their lives whilst fulfilling their duties, especially when the RUC, UDR and Fire Service have been granted similar tributes.

“Between 1974 and 1993, some 29 prison staff were murdered by terrorists, others were intimidated and threatened out of their homes. The ceremony was a chance to mark the resilience and diligence of the greater Northern Ireland Prison Service and an occasion to honour and remember their lost colleagues.”

“I’m glad to see that the hoaxers failed in their attempt to ruin the ceremony, which in the end, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks must be given to the PSNI who ensured that everything passed of well”.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Basil McCrea has condemned an arson attack at Stoneridge Court in Lisburn.

A man escaped injury after the attack which police believe may have been racially motivated.

Councillor McCrea said:

“This attack so easily could have resulted in loss of life and I hope that the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted.

“It is vital that we get the message out that hate crime will not be tolerated and is repugnant to the vast majority of the population.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”