I find it hard to believe that it is 4 years since we gathered in Ards Leisure centre to hear the returning officer announce that I had been returned as a Green Party MLA for North Down.

Although this historic breakthrough came as a shock to the media I was always reasonably confident that we could take the seat. On the doorstep many voters were expressing the need to leave behind the old divisive arguments about flags emblems and policing and move on to the issues of the twenty first century. These issues included climate change, sustainability and dependence on fossil fuels and often coincided with the Green party agenda. Continue reading “Green Living – Assembly Review” »

AT the AGM the main parties have agreed to exclude me from the councils important finance and policy committees. Last term they argued that as I was a member of the Green party I was not entitled to a place, this excuse is no longer valid.

As a councillor with 30 years experience and degrees in government and economics I feel I could make a major contribution to the good governance of the council. Instead they have filled the committees with party hacks with no experience (newly elected) and others with no interest or knowledge of finance.

Is it any wonder the council has been criticised for its economic competence.

In light of growing public concern at the proliferation of election posters and my concern for the environment I promised not to put up election posters.

This decision would not seem to have had a negative effect as I again topped the poll and increased my share of the vote. I hope that this will encourage others to reduce poster pollution.

For returning me at the top of the poll for the sixth successive election. I hope I can justify the confidence you have shown me.

Having given up my other posts I intend to focus full time on Council issues and to serving the residents of Bangor West. I was therefore disappointed that despite my experience and qualifications as an economist the main parties again voted to exclude me from the important Policy and Economic Committees.

 

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