uuptoday.org

Speaking as voters are set to go to the polls in this Wednesday’s Assembly election, UUP Foyle Assembly candidate, Peter Munce has said that its time for a change in the leadership of unionism in Londonderry and has urged the Unionist community to maximize the unionist position in Foyle by voting Ulster Unionist on March 7th.

In a statement Peter said,

“Other unionists have been in charge for too long in this city. They have had many years to address a number of issues for the unionist and wider community but have failed to do so. They have had their chance. That is why on March 7th it is time for a change. Unionism needs fresh, new, strong and purposeful leadership for the future in this city, not the tired, old, weak and uncertain leadership of the past.

“The figures show that there are two seats for the pro – union community in this constituency and I would urge each and every unionist and anyone who wants to make Stormont work to vote for the only unionist party committed to making Stormont work for all of us.

“At the outset of the election campaign I said that I offered voters in this constituency a choice. A choice between looking forward with me or looking back with others. My campaign, in stark contrast with the outgoing unionist MLA, has relentlessly focused on the positive. I have used the campaign in Foyle to highlight a number of issues and in a future Assembly I make a commitment to you that I will:

- Address the deep sense of isolation and social exclusion felt by some within the community.
- Improve transport links, both road and rail, to the Northwest.
- Maximise this city’s tourism potential by focussing on the cultural significance and tourism potential of Derry’s walls.
- Support steps to end the brain drain in the area where each year thousands of our talented young people leave the North West to work and study elsewhere.
- Focus on building stronger communities in the forgotten areas of Foyle like New Buildings, Eglinton, Maydown, Claudy and Drumahoe by tacking anti-social behaviour, encouraging economic regeneration and improving access to public transport.

“It is sad that with only a few days left until polling day all the DUP can do is resort to personal attacks against fellow unionists. They must have nothing else positive to offer the people. Whilst their campaign has been relentlessly negative, mine has been relentlessly positive.”

UUP Foyle Assembly candidate, Peter Munce has said the decision of the Northern Bank to close their branch in Eglinton is a massive blow for the local community.

Peter said that account holders in the Northern Bank’s Eglinton branch who have received letters this morning informing them of the bank’s decision to close have contacted the UUP.

Speaking today Mr Munce said,

“The decision to remove such a vital local service, without any consultation, is a massive blow for the local community in Eglinton. People in this area already feel like a forgotten community who over the years have been bypassed by Government and local authorities. This decision will only to serve to increase the sense of isolation felt by many in this community.

“The advice from the bank is to relocate to the Northern Bank’s branch at Altnagelvin or use the online banking facility. However, how is this of any use to the elderly or those on low income who will have to take two buses to reach the branch or those who don’t have access to a computer?

“The UUP will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Northern Bank to discuss this issue and would urge other banks to consider filling the gap left by the Northern Bank’s withdrawal.”

UUP Foyle Assembly candidate, Peter Munce said today that the challenge for a new generation political leaders is to bridge the gap that exists between political parties and the electorate.

Peter was speaking at event in Londonderry, organised by the Peace and Reconciliation Group, which invited sixth form students from local schools to come along and question candidates in Foyle about their party’s manifestos.

Speaking at the event Peter said,

“Politics is about people and people are hungry for a new type of politics that reflects their hopes and ambitions. I have no hesitation in saying that the Ulster Unionist Party’s manifesto is about creating this new type of normal politics.

“If we are to move Northern Ireland forward beyond the failed, stale politics of the past and focus on people’s priorities, then we need devolution. That is why the message from the Ulster Unionist Party in this election is that we are ready for Government on March 26th.

“Another election brings yet another attempt for politicians to engage with the increasingly apathetic “younger voter” who, to a large extent, has become disillusioned with the way in which politics is conducted in Northern Ireland.

“If we are to believe yesterday’s opinion poll then once again it appears that the 18 – 34 age group will be less inclined to vote with the figures revealing that only 49% of those aged between 18 and 34 are “absolutely certain” to vote.

“But this only tells half the story. People in Northern Ireland, especially younger people, are intensely exercised about political issues, single – issue campaigns like ‘make poverty history’ proved this, but they are not intensely exercised about party political issues. They want to make the world a better place but don’t really think that joining a political party is necessarily the best way to pursue this.

“As a young person, just turned 25, I am different. I have joined a political party. I am fortunate enough to come from a generation whose lives were not touched, in the same way as others were, by the pain, sadness and heartache caused by thirty years of bombs and bullets. I was 12 when canary wharf was ripped apart, 12 when 6 men were killed in Loughlinisland and 11 when the Shankill bomb exploded. I am not defined by the troubles, but I am shaped by them.

“The generation I come from has a huge task ahead of us. We inherited a divided society with an imperfect peace but our legacy can be a united society with a perfect peace.

”And I believe that the Ulster Unionist Party with our enduring values of fairness, tolerance, respect and opportunity can best deliver that legacy. That is why I am fighting this election. That is why I am involved in the Ulster Unionist Party. I am a unionist by heritage, by instinct and by conviction. Northern Ireland and all its people, regardless of class, gender, religion or ethnic origin are best served by the maintenance of the union and the benefits, both social and economic, which come from it.”

UUP Foyle Assembly candidate, Peter Munce has called today for a ‘step change’ in East – West relations.

Peter said that a future Assembly must focus on how to maximise the benefits of being in the Union by actively pursuing and identifying areas of potential cooperation and collaboration between Northern Ireland and other regions of the UK and between these islands.

In a statement Peter said,

“In 1998, the Ulster Unionist Party attempted to build new relationships on and between these islands in the British Isles based upon partnership and respect. Putting greater emphasis on the east/west dimension is the logical extension of this work.

“People get caught up very easily in the debate over closer North/South cooperation and forget about the obvious benefits that could flow from greater economic, social and environmental cooperation between regions of the UK – particularly as Scotland, Wales and some regions in the North of England face the same socio – economic problems as Northern Ireland.

“The vast majority of Unionists support constructive, accountable North/South cooperation, in areas where it is mutually beneficial but we also believe that a more natural framework of cooperation should encompass the entire British Isles – hence the provision, back in 1998 of a framework for East – West cooperation in Strand 3 of the Belfast Agreement, which to date has been undervalued and must be given greater recognition.

“Proposals to strengthen the work of the British Irish Council (BIC) through the creation of a permanent secretariat to support its work are long overdue but are to be welcomed. We must increase the number and frequency of meetings of the British-Irish Council.

“Increased cooperation between these islands can have a lasting impact capable of building stronger communities in both areas with greater economic prosperity and more social cohesion.”

UUP Foyle Assembly candidate for Foyle, Peter Munce has launched a campaign today to have Derry’s walls placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites recognizing its cultural significance and tourism potential.

Joined by the Young Unionists on Saturday and party leader Sir Reg Empey on Friday, Mr Munce said it was time to maximize fully the tourism potential of Derry’s walls by campaigning for World Heritage Status.

Speaking today Mr Munce said,

“The Northern Ireland tourist board has recently completed some good work on marketing the tourism potential of Londonderry but we must seek new and innovative ways of taking this work forward. Campaigning for UNESCO World heritage status is one way of doing this.

“However, It is quite clear that for a variety of reasons, Londonderry and the wider Foyle area has not maximized its tourism potential over the years. Recently plans were unveiled for a new, 160 ft statue of Saint Columba to stand in the river foyle. It was envisaged that this would cost around 15million pounds. However, would a more cost effective way not be to invest more money in promoting Derry’s walls?

“At present there are 27 sites in the United Kingdom on UNESCO’s list and only 1, the Giants Causeway, in Northern Ireland. Imagine if Derry’s walls were placed on the world heritage list? Londonderry would have world wide international status as a must see destination and it would significantly enhance the areas tourism marketability.

“Inscription as a world heritage site is the highest commendation a place can receive – a real recognition of global significance, which brings with it international prestige.

“World heritage status, as has been proven elsewhere, would bring significant economic benefits to the area. But of course we can also measure the benefits of world heritage list status in social terms too as we search for a way to build a new future in this city and a shared sense of identity and pride. After all, this city won’t be a good place for any of us to live in until it’s a good place of all of us to live in.”

UUP Foyle Assembly candidate, Peter Munce has said today that it must be a priority of any future Executive to urgently address the issue of child poverty.

Mr Munce was speaking as he attended an event organised by NICVA in Londonderry to discuss the Government’s Anti – Poverty Strategy. The Anti-Poverty Strategy, Lifetime Opportunities, was launched by the Secretary of State, Peter Hain last year.

The UUP is committed to achieving the UK’s 2020 target to eradicate child poverty - focusing on lifting children out of severe poverty.

In a statement Peter said,

“It is an absolute moral disgrace that not enough has been done over the years to address the issue of child poverty. There is a deep responsibility on all of us who seek office to make life better for every child. Over a third of all children in Northern Ireland live in poverty and according to a survey by the Children’s charity Barnardos child poverty is worse than in any other area of the UK.

“We must use a future Assembly, not only to raise awareness of the extent to which our children are trapped in a cycle of deprivation, poverty and hopelessness, but to find better policy solutions to the issues at hand so that we can give hope to every child and allow them to have the best possible start in life.

“Social exclusion dramatically affects the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. It stifles ambition, destroys hope and damages lives. Ulster Unionists value and respect the potential of every child and want to create the right environment in which they can flourish and have real opportunity.

“The UUP wants to see an implementation plan and resources for the Government’s anti – poverty strategy to translate the aspirations in the Lifetime Opportunities document into reality and focused initiatives on the 35,000 children in Northern Ireland experiencing severe poverty.”

UUP Foyle Assembly Election Candidate, Peter Munce, along with UUP Derry City Councillor Mary Hamilton, has written to the Health Minister, Paul Goggins today urging him to extend the Department of Health’s consultation on the future of pathology services in Northern Ireland until after the Assembly election following serious concerns over the threat to the provision of 24 hour laboratory and cancer related services at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.

The consultation process will run until February 28 and the report can be accessed from the website, www.dhsspsni.co.uk.

Speaking today Mr Munce said,

“The threat to pathology services and cancer related services at Altnagelvin hospital is further evidence of the Belfast – centric approach the Government has to the provision of vital public services.

“The Minister must urgently consider extending the consultation deadline to allow for the election campaign. It would be unfair to do otherwise.

“The trauma and pain many cancer patients suffer with their illness will be increased if they have to travel from the North West to Belfast. The people of Londonderry and the North – West area deserve better. You can’t put a price on health or general well – being.

“We must also be mindful of the associated job losses, which would result from taking these services away from the area.”

UUP Foyle Assembly Candidate, Peter Munce has made it one of his specific local commitments for the Assembly election to focus on building stronger, safer and fairer communities in the often forgotten areas of Foyle like New Buildings, Eglinton, Claudy and Drumahoe.

Mr Munce argues that these communities are often forgot about or sidelined, as Government and policy makers focus their attention on the city and not these rural heartlands.

Speaking today Mr Munce said,

“I believe that the people of Eglinton, Claudy, New Buildings and Drumahoe have a vital contribution to make to the social and economic fabric of the area. That is why, if I am privileged enough to be elected to serve this area, I will make it a priority of mine to focus on building stronger, safer and fairer communities in these communities, which are often forgot about by Government and other policy makers. These areas have a right to have their voices heard too.

“If we focus our attention on building stronger, more cohesive communities in these areas, then we can help make society a better place for all of us.

“People want to live in a community they are proud to call home where they feel safe and secure and have access to the services they need for a good quality of life. This mean tacking anti social behaviour and making communities free from crime and free from the fear of crime, encouraging economic regeneration and improving access to public services.”

UUP Foyle Assembly Election candidate, Peter Munce said today that any future Assembly has a major role to play in assisting people with disabilities.

Mr Munce was speaking at an event organised last week by disability action in the City Hotel, Londonderry which was part of a series of 7 events organised by the group across the country to discuss what a future Assembly could do on this issue.

In a statement Mr Munce said,

“The Ulster Unionist Party has a vision of a society where the full potential of people with disabilities is recognised in every community and every workplace. We are committed to creating the circumstances where disabled people are valued and able to contribute to their maximum capacity.

“The UUP believes that the Northern Ireland Executive must take urgent and immediate steps to promote compliance with all aspects of the Disability Discrimination Act. We view this as being absolutely essential and hope that it works towards improcving the basic human rights of Northern Ireland’s 300,000 people with disabilities.

“It is also vital that community care services must be resourced in such a way as to ensure personal assistance for people with disabilities, which hopefully will promote and empower independent living.

“The Ulster Unionists would like to see the implementation of the Bamford Review’s proposals for a comprehensive strategy for services for people with learning disabilities. The Bamford Review team are to be congratulated for their landmark report – equal lives. It is a direct challenge to all of us.”

UUP Foyle Assembly Candidate, Peter Munce said today that Derry City Council should consider providing financial assistance to the residents of Donnybrewer to help cover any legal or other expenses they may incur in the public inquiry to be held into Derry City Council’s bid to demolish homes in the area to facilitate the expansion of the airport.

Last week the Department of Regional Development announced that there would be a local inquiry into Derry City Council’s bid to demolish homes and business in the Donnybrewer area, on April 17th.

UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey along with UUP Councillor Mary Hamilton visited the residents who live near the airport last December.

In a statement Mr Munce said,

“In the interests of fairness and equality I think it is only right that Derry City Council should consider covering any legal or other expenses that the Donnybrewer resident’s may incur during this inquiry. After all they are rate payers too and will be contributing, through their rate bills, to the Council’s expenses.

“The new inquiry is a step in the right direction and I am glad to see that the Department are listening more attentively to the resident’s concerns. If the vesting orders are granted, the result for the local residents could be disastrous.

“There were other options available for the airport expansion, which would have removed the need for homes to be demolished.”