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” »

I CONDEMN  TONIGHT’S  DECISION BY THE COUNCIL TO SELL BANGOR LEISURE CENTRE SITE TO A PRIVATE DEVELOPER  AND TO IGNORE THE PROPOSALS FROM THE SEELB TO DEVELOP THE SITE FOR A NEW BANGOR CENTRAL INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL

The 300 parents teachers and children who lobbied North Down council this evening received a kick in the teeth when the DUP controlled council (including 3 DUP MLAs) rejected a proposal to continue negotiations with the SEELB on the provision of a new primary school and agreed to sell the site to a private developer. Bangor Central Integrated is a wonderful school and is always oversubscribed but requires new buildings. In their Assembly manifesto just months ago the DUP promised their support for a new school.

Continue reading “DUP Snub Bangor Central School” »

I CONDEMN THE SIX MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS FROM NORTHERN IRELAND WHO SUPPORTED THE TORY BILL TO PRIVATISE THE NHS IN ENGLAND EVEN THOUGH THE LEGISLATION WILL NOT APPLY IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

It is sickening to see peers from Northern Ireland lining up to support this legislation which will effectively spell the end of the NHS in England.

Yesterday’s vote by the peers to reject  Lord Owens call for a full  examination the long term implications of this Bill  is disgraceful as ignores the representations from the BMA and objections from the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of G.P’s.

Is it morally right that Lords Alderdice, Ballyendmond, Kilclooney, Trimble and Maginnis should vote for such an important piece of legislation which will destroy the NHS in England when it will not affect the people of Northern Ireland? Continue reading “Unionists Support NHS Privatisation?” »