Although a political opponent of the DUP and Peter Robinson for more than 30 years I welcome his speech and his vision for a shared and united future. To hear a DUP leader speak positively about power sharing, partnership, a shared society and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect is extremely encouraging. I recall many occasions when I was subjected to considerable abuse from the DUP members for talking in such terms.

It is easy to be cynical but I do believe this is a genuine attempt by the First Minister to move away from our sectarian past. Continue reading “Brian Welcomes Robinson’s Speech” »

At a time when we are cutting out education and health service it is grossly irresponsible to waste £150 million on the proposed reform of local government.

The decision of the executive to go ahead with the reform of local government is incredible. Has no-one read the PWC report? To proceed at present is a classic case of ignoring the financial facts and pressing forward with proposals which have been totally undermined by the evidence.

To proceed with the 11 council model is not only irrational but it will fail to achieve any of the original objectives of the RPA. In the present economic climate it is irresponsible to spend £150m (on PWC figures) up front and look forward to some questionable savings over the next 25years. Neither the Councils nor the Department can justify such expenditure particularly at a time when other services including Education and Health are being cut. Continue reading “Programme for Government” »

I call on Finance Minister Sammy Wilson not to give in to the bullying of the large stores and to go ahead with the Large Stores Rates Levy

I have an interest in this levy as I originally proposed in my speech on the draft budget in January and I was delighted when then the Minister took it up.

It is depressing to hear the whinging of mainly out of town supermarkets complaining when for years they have received many advantages at the expense of the small independent retailers and town centres.

It is difficult to have much sympathy with multinationals like Tesco when the levy is equivalent to a few hours trading out of the profits of almost £4 billion. The introduction of this levy will go some way to create a level playing field. It would help balance the disadvantage small independent businesses face as large out of town supermarkets take advantage of free parking and economies of scale. Continue reading “Supermarket Blackmail‏” »