Rodney McCune -Working For Change in East Antrim

How Many More Leaflets? Have Alliance lost it in Carrick?

2011-04-29T22:16:00.007+01:00

I know many of you are asking yourselves, how many more leaflets? given the amount of Council and Assembly campaign material already received by post and by hand. The answer, who knows in the next few days!

However one leaflet really stood out for me, not I suspect for the reasons intended.

I received an Alliance Party postal Leaflet to my home in Carrick which made the following statement, "In East Antrim it's Alliance or Sein Fein -your choice". Now clearly the Alliance Party spelt Sinn Fein incorrectly, but that isn't the point.

Only a week before, East Antrim Alliance candidate Ms Mulvenna, made the following comment, "Alliance works with all parties to build consensus and the UUP would do well to follow Alliance's example instead of being negative on issues like who will be First Minister".

So which is it Geraldine Mulvenna, your press office or your leaflet writer, who speaks for Alliance in East Antrim?

Of course the reality in East Antrim could be much easier ascertained by any Alliance member if they chose to pop into the bookmakers beside their Carrick office.

The bookmakers, like the experts, predict Alliance one seat but with no chance of two, they give the DUP three seats with no chance of four, and they give the UUP one certain seat. In fact the sixth seat, according to the bookies and experts (I am reliably informed), is the only issue in East Antrim. That means the second Ulster Unionist, me in all probability, against Sinn Fein. The odds are 5/2 and 6/4.

So on the expert view bizarrely in East Antrim voting DUP 1-4 will help Sinn Fein and open up the prospect of a seat for Sinn Fein for the first time. The boundary changes have made this possible. Had the DUP ran 3 candidates the prospect of a Sinn Fein MLA for East Antrim would have remained much more remote. Voters would have transferred after the third candidate rather than after a fourth who will be well behind the race. Votes always go astray on transfers.

So just to be clear, the Alliance leaflet should have read, In East Antrim it is McCune or Sinn Fein -your choice. But I suppose Alliance don't want to tell voters that.

Monkstown Anti-Drugs Protest

2011-04-15T23:27:00.001+01:00

I am always happy to support communities standing up against criminal elements operating within areas.

I admire the courage and determination of residents in Monkstown who turned up to protest on this occasion. I was and I am happy to show them my support. Tackling crime invoves galvanising community spirit and ensuring the policing response is properly co-ordinated and maintains community confidence.

Potential witnesses to crime must be reassured and protected from potential or actual intimidation. Working as a Barrister I have all too often seen at first hand cases collapse or turn on witness non-participation or non-co-operation, no doubt more often than not through fear.

I feel I have a contribution to make at Stormont to ensure witnesses within our criminal justice system are properly supported and protected.

Nomination......

2011-04-07T19:02:00.000+01:00

It is one of the boxes to tick during any election campaign to "nominate". This involves having a number of people in your area sign your nomination papers. This sounds simple, and it is fair to say that it far from a complex exercise. But it does involve checking election registers etc to ensure that the persons who signed, and believed themselves to appear on the electoral register, actually are!

This cheery bunch are some of those who attended to show their support when I lodged my papers with the electoral office. Roy Beggs Jnr, my Party colleague and running mate in East Antrim lodged his papers at the same time.

Anyway, no doubt you will see some of this bunch at your door in the coming weeks asking you to support myself and Roy. Without change in the balance of Parties at Stormont, we will have the same people responsible for the shambles of the last four years, calling the shots in the next four years. That would not be good for you and it would not be good for Northern Ireland.

Police Constable Ronan Kerr

2011-04-03T22:37:00.006+01:00

It is terribly sad that this week has ended with the callous murder of Police Constable Ronan Kerr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. It reminds us all how some sections of Northern Ireland society, despite the obvious progress that has been made, still remains capable of the most inexpicable attitudes and most cruel crimes. Listening this evening to this young man's mother describe her pride in her son, and appeal to others not to be deterred from joining the police, was particularly moving.

Such a contrast to when I attended the football this week at Windsor, to see Northern Ireland play Slovenia. Whilst this in itself isn't usual, the warm affection from the crowd, to a man (and woman) for Celtic player Pat McCourt made a lasting impression on me. I had noticed this growing affection before, but this week it was taken to a new level. Don't get me wrong, the Northern Ireland team has always comprised of people from different backgrounds, and the fans have broadly been supportive of all who have played, but this felt a little bit different, it felt like a deliberate positive point was collectively being made. It felt like everyone wanted to send the message that no matter what background, no matter what club side, we are all working together.

Then we had Police Constable Kerr's murder on Saturday. We all know there have been many other fortunate "near misses" in recent months but when a life is lost it always feels completely different. On the radio I hear of talk of dialogue, on the radio I hear talk of negotiations, but all I want to hear is talk of prosecutions, and all I want is justice, for the family of Ronan Kerr and all those other police officers, who live and serve with themselves and their families under threat.

Seven days.......

2011-03-29T00:10:00.006+01:00

It is often said (too often!) that seven days is a long time in politics, and I have had a very interesting and eventful week. I took in a hockey match between Greenisland and Carrick, witnessed a Greenisland win largely down to one star player in a fashion reminiscent of Diego Maradonna and Argentina at the 1986 World Cup. It is rare to watch a team sport and be able to say that with confidence that if one player changed sides the outcome would change completely.

I also was able to support Carrickfergus Farmers Market at the weekend. Fantastic event and a wonderful turnout. With the right support and vision we can breath life back into our town centers. It is such a shame that our outgoing Council failed to really get behind this event. Let's hope many of the outgoing Councillors dont come back, we have had enough of those who display negativity and a lack of vision.

I even made the Teenage Cancer Trust event on Sunday night enjoying Tinie Tempah and Jessie J in full flow.

Yet despite all this, and a bit of canvassing too! The most important event of the last seven days was the Chancellor's Budget. He continues to send the message out that the UK is a place where companies can do business and this is to his credit. The penny of petrol isn't the real story on fuel, the suspension of already set down real-term increases in fuel duty for the life of the next Parliament is. I was delighted to see the number of measures introduced to support start-ups and therefore business and job creation. These may not ease our short-term pain but they will lay solid foundations for our longer-term prosperity.

In fact George pinched our idea of reduced rents for new businesses that I blogged on some weeks ago, albeit my suggestion was not to be funded from the public purse. It is hard to say it is a great budget, but it definitely isn't a bad one!

You know, pro-enterrpise fiscal policies may just result in a pro-enterprise UK!

The "Billy no Mates" of the Arab World

2011-03-20T14:52:00.010Z

I read today a desciption of Muammar Gaddafi as the "billy no mates" of the Arab world and it is certainly true that had it not been for the support of Arab countries, the current intervention in Libya by our country and others would not be taking place. I congratulate David Cameron and William Hague on this one, their efforts were central to bringing about a proper UN Resolution as well as International willing for action. Now our brave airmen and airwomen are in flight supported by their colleagues, I wish them all well for a safe return.

Nobody has mentioned Libya on the doorstep when I have been out talking to people, I didn't expect them to. However, many people have mentioned rocketing fuel prices, something I certainly did expect. The two issues are clearly related. Instability in Libya caused the recent spike in oil prices. Despite the fact that the Saudis increased their oil production in response to the instability, prices still spiked due to the uncertainty in the market.

For me the solution is simple, we must reduce our dependency on oil. If a similar crisis had developed in say Saudi Arabia, the spike in oil prices would have been such as to perforate our economy and destroy any recovery. The nuclear alternative is fraught with danger. The tragedy of Japan serves as a real warning to all those who see nuclear power as a solution to oil dependency.

This brings me to renewable sources of energy, I support investing in and developing renewables. May I make it quite clear, not in the ad hoc manner of random individual applications for wind turbines, but in a clearly organised and structured fashion. No longer, should aesthetics be raised as an objection to renewables, when it is at the expense of greater economic independence and greater economic stability. Energy is one important area, in which, I believe we in Northern Ireland, could take the lead for the UK and lay solid foundations for our future.

Whitehead and Rain!

2011-03-13T19:47:00.002Z

I don't mind the rain, and I certainly didn't mind the occasional rain it Whitehead on Saturday. It was nice to see some very familiar faces, and it was nice to make some new acquaintances too!

It was clear to me talking to people in Whitehead that they feel ignored and neglected. Ignored and neglected by politicians who look to Larne and look to Carrick but look past Whitehead. I don't think I could ever imagine looking past Whitehead.

The issues haven't changed since last year because they haven't been addressed, whether it be the quality of the roads, broken bottles left by late night drinkers or the complete lack of policing. I know the issues, and if the opportunity to speak on behalf of East Antrim comes my way, I will address them.

Thank you to everyone who took the time out of their day to share their thoughts with me and my team. It is always very much appreciated. If we are to do the job you deserve in the future, communication is essential and we are always keen to listen!

Good to See Visible Policing in Carrickfergus....

2011-03-07T01:25:00.006Z

I firmly believe that visible policing works not only to reassure the public, but to deter crime. Indeed, it is often more serious crime that is deterred by a clear police presence.

For some time now, there have been real concerns about call out response times in the Carrickfergus area and the general level of visible policing. On Friday evening therefore, I was delighted to see police officers out on cycle patrol in the area. On Saturday evening, I was again able to see a clear police presence in the town. These are steps forward and to be congratulated. However, this progress must not be temporary. These moves to reassure, no doubt in light of recent incidents, must become a more permanent fixture, providing permanent reassurance and permanent deterrence.

At times of economic difficulty past experience has told that crime rises. Policing resources therefore must be properly maintained to match the risk posed by would-be criminals.

Letters to the Editor.....Fair Comment?

2011-03-03T13:19:00.004Z

Somtimes I write the odd letter to a local newspaper if I feel something or someone is really misrepresenting our views or positions, or indeed on occasion their own! Of course, it is always in the gift of an editor as to whether they publish a letter or not, but their failure to publish doesn't mean it shouldn't be read. I sent the following, yet to be published letter, to the Newsletter on 15th February......

Sir

I write in response Sammy Wilson’s column on Saturday February
12th.

The DUP say they don’t like the Coalition’s programme for government. Their
actions suggest otherwise.

At the Queen’s Speech on June 7th last year, the Opposition forced a
vote of protest against the Coalition’s Programme for Government.

What did the DUP do?

They voted en masse to support the Coalition and defend the Programme
for Government.

On June 8th last year, the Opposition forced a vote opposing economy
proposals contained within the Programme for Government. This included
a line opposing cuts that could “damage growth in the regions”.

What did the DUP do?

They voted en masse to support the Coalition and defend the Programme
for Government. Furthermore, the DUP issued a press statement
headlined: ‘DUP press Osborne over cuts’. Not really. Not while they
were offering him unanimous support in the division lobby.

A month after that on July 7th, the Opposition presented an amendment
which voiced “grave concern that the emergency budget will increase
unemployment”.

What did the DUP do?

They voted en masse to support the Coalition and defend the Government’
s plans. On the same day, Ian Paisley Jnr issued a press statement
headlined: ‘MP expresses concern about the June Budget’. Really? He’d
just voted to support an amendment that “welcomes the emergency
budget”.

If there is blame to had about cuts, the Party whose MPs repeatedly
vote alongside government MPs is most complicit of all. In future, when
the DUP talks about deficits – consider the deficit between what they
say and what they do.

More than ever, Northern Ireland needs honesty from its politicians and
that means Northern Ireland needs Ulster Unionists, not the DUP.

Yours etc

Rodney McCune

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party

REFERENCES:
http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2010-06-07&number=1&dmp=1114

http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2010-06-08&number=2&dmp=1114

http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2010-07-07&number=15&dmp=1114

http://www.dup.org.uk/articles.asp?ArticleNewsID=2222
http://www.dup.org.uk/articles.asp?ArticleNewsID=2353

Building a Sustainable Future.....

2011-03-01T00:05:00.003Z

At times of economic difficulty it is often the embracing of new ideas that move local economies and local communities forward. Over a number of years I have admired the bold decision taken by the people of Samsø to seek to become a renewable energy area, in their case as a physical island.

Not only have the people of Samsø reversed a declining population, they have pushed the boundaries of energy efficient technology and they have become a tourist attraction in their own right, largely due to the tremendous progress they have made. When the Danish Government challenged an area to seek to become a renewable region Samsø was brave enough to take up the challenge and they have been proved right.

New jobs have come to Samsø and the local community is thriving. Ten years on the islanders are 100 percent self-sufficient and they have zero emission of C02 and other greenhouse gases. Rising oil and fuel prices don’t register on Samsø.

I firmly believe that we are able to learn from the experiences of other countries and from regions in other countries. I would like to see the next Executive set a challenge to Northern Ireland in the same way the Danish Government set a challenge to Samsø, and you never know, somewhere like Islandmagee could be our winner!

Ford on Nolan....

2011-02-23T22:57:00.006Z

In order to give David Ford the benefit of the doubt I have just listened again to his [still] appalling performance on the Nolan Show this morning.

He didn't grasp the new clause he put before the Assembly giving Sex Offenders a right of review of their being on the register indefinitely. He incorrectly stated who bears the burden as the clause is presently drafted. There is a presumption in favour of discharge and no respondent. For information, the Chief Constable "shall discharge the notification requirements" unless satisfied otherwise, the applicant does not have to satisfy the Chief Constable he poses no risk to be discharged, he only has to serve an application, the Chief Constable has to then satisfy himself the offender does pose a risk. David Ford gave no explanation as to the selection of 8 years and 15 years as the periods before a review could be sought other than "it is in line with Scotland", ignoring the fact we don't need to copy Scotland and could have taken a harder line. He further said it is a notification "for life" in his own words, ignoring the fact that in giving judgement in the Supreme Court Lord Rodger pointed out that the obligation was "indefinite" and therefore ongoing in a permanent sense as it wasn't actually termed life, yet another indication that David Ford hasn't read the Supreme Court Judgement.

What is worse David Ford was rude and arrogant when he was challenged.

Then again, that was in the morning on the radio, by the afternoon he withdrew the amendment and referred it back to the Justice Committee. Accepting he was wrong?

I take no pleasure in making clear, sadly David Ford is out of his depth.

On a side note, the clause of being drunk at a football match was voted down, but DUP MLAs voted some for and some against. Another split?

Should our criminal justice system send the homeless to prison?

2011-02-21T00:15:00.005Z

This isn't the first time I have made clear my view that our devolved criminal justice system lacks direction and lacks vision.

Last week's imprisonment of a homeless male for begging is simply another example of huge waste within the criminal justice system. Some, not all, but certainly some people beg because they have no money. Our system often fines people for begging, and in the case of this male, knowing he can't pay the fine of 80 pounds, we send him to prison. The cost of prison in Northern Ireland is reported to be over 250 pounds per day. This male gets a seven day sentence. It is time we started asking, is the price of making this policy point worthwhile? I should add that the cost of police processing, a court appearance, legal reprensentation and sometimes an interpreter have to be added to the huge daily prison expense.

Surely we should look at less expensive ways of dealing with begging and those who beg. If we did, we may just be able to afford more police officers to deal with what many of us would consider real crime.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12514482

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/damning-report-into-prison-service-15029309.html

DUP Split Again -On Corporation Tax

2011-02-04T20:35:00.005Z

Before Christmas it was clear that the DUP were split on double-jobbing. The likes of Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell were, and still are, clinging desperately to their multiple mandates, whilst the likes of Nigel Dodds and Ian Paisley Junior accepted that they should have one role only. That chasm may have closed a little by DUP briefing that some of those who stood down from the Assembly may amazingly U-turn on their decision, but another split has opened up on corporation tax.

In October last year Sammy Wilson was reported on the BBC as stating his department's assessment of the cost of a reduction in corporation tax "could be as high as £500 million". By December he whinged to the BBC that a reduction would be "totally unacceptable", though in the Northern Ireland Grand Committee he no longer challenged the cost assessment by then put at £310 million. The arch climate change sceptic had clearly added corporation tax cynic to his repertoire.

Yet only weeks into 2011, Peter Robinson announces that "the possibility of devolving corporation tax is a huge opportunity for us to grow our economy in the future." In response Sammy managed the rather limp comment of, "there is a lot to clarify in the government paper as it stands. We have asked the treasury to be more explicit about the benefits we can expect in terms of investment and job creation." The DUP are clearly split on an issue of economic importance.

The economy and jobs are our biggest issues in 2011. Northern Ireland needs a business friendly environment to develop and grow our private sector. That means we need an entrepreneurial mindset, it means we need security, we need people with the right skills, we need the minimum of bureaucracy and of course we need appropriate tax incentives. What we don't need is a Finance Minster and joint First Minster who simply aren't on the same page.

Ross Goes Solo.....

2011-02-01T00:39:00.004Z

In last week's edition of the "Carrick Times" the third wheel in the DUPs East Antrim MLA tricycle, Alastair Ross, made play of his opposition to a proposed Assembly ban on cycling without protective headgear. Whilst his opposition is not in itself unreasonable, it seemed very odd he should have lost his attempt to shoot down the legislation at second reading by only two votes, especially when his East Antrim colleagues Sammy Wilson and David Hilditch, just didn't vote. Is this simply an example of Mr Ross not being the steering wheel of the DUP tricycle, and having no influence over his colleagues? Or was it a case of double-jobbing getting in the way Mr Wilson or Mr Hilditch being able to vote? Maybe they would have supported him, had they not maybe headed off elsewhere for a few quid extra, instead of staying at the Assembly until the close of business. Answers on a postcard please.

Incidentally, I think the Bill merits further debate in Committee, but I don't think at this stage the case is made out to legislating for a ban on cycling without protective headgear!

A New Business Forum for Carrick....

2011-01-30T23:41:00.006Z

"I want to see a "New Business Forum for Carrick". Such a new Forum could operate independently of the Council and empower landlords and the local business community to take the initiative.

Local business needs to build momentum and a critical mass of businesses to attract more people into the town centre. More jobs will follow, as will enhanced spending power from higher employment. It is clear that the Council is unable to provide this support to the local business community and therefore we must empower them to make change themselves.

If a rates reduction is not available to help new businesses get going, then I challenge landlords of vacant or non-earning commercial premises to offer reduced rents in the short-term. When "New Starts" become a going concern the rents will rise to normal commercial rates, to the benefit of landlords, other businesses and jobseekers, not to mention shoppers.

Existing local businesses would be in a position to input through the "New Forum" to identify which proposed businesses would best compliment those already established, and quicken the process of building momentum and critical mass.

Ulster Unionists have plenty of ideas for kick-starting our local and regional economy. We aren't simply prepared to sit on our hands and wait for things to improve. We are the people prepared to roll our sleeves up and be in there making change happen."

A better Criminal Justice System.....

2011-01-25T01:20:00.004Z

I attended the Criminal Justice Inspectorate's annual stakeholder's conference last week, at the Stormont Hotel. The conference brings together representatives of the courts, police, probation and prison service as well as other interested parties. It was disappointing to see that not a single of our local MPs attended, although I accept that they may say it is because criminal justice is now devolved.

Sadly too, despite the close proximity to "the hill" far to few folks managed to attend either. David Ford did attend in his capacity as Justice Minster, but he failed to set out any vision for the future of our regional justice system. Embarassingly, he talked up the complexity of the Justice Bill currently before the Assembly to an audience of those working within the system who are only too aware of the lack of substance in this particular Bill.

We need a significant overhaul of our criminal justice system, and we need it in the context of a future vision. We need a justice system that supports our police service, processes cases efficiently, delivers for victims and carries public confidence. This simply wont happen with the current set up of a Justice Minster having his strings pulled in different directions by the Sinn Fein/DUP deal that put him there. The Executive isn't working for victims of crime, let's get it fixed.

Well Done Ulster Rugby......

2011-01-17T00:37:00.004Z

Ravenhill didn't roar as it can on Saturday, until the final whistle. The players demonstrated a level of commitment, concentration and professionalism that was truly immense. They showed no nerves, whilst many of us watching in the rain found the last quarter agonising. That said, what a result! Of course Wasps losing to Glasgow on Sunday leaves the door wide open for Ulster to make the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup first time in over a decade and much as some of the karaoke performances at the Joymount Arms on Friday evening impressed, these rugby results were still by far the highlight of my weekend. Sport can be a wonderful momentary distraction for many of the things that frustrate us in our every day lives.

My temperature rose last week when I heard local Ministers throwing tantrums about losing unspent funds from last year's budget, in particular 87 million pounds from the education budget. This is a very serious issue, people may lose their jobs. Sammy "the chief whinger" Wilson complained that the rules had changed and nobody told him, but when did he bother to ask? At the same time, failed Minster Caitriona Ruane explained how she will save the day by shifting 41 million from the "school building capital" budget. If Caitriona Ruane had so much unspent money in her budget why did she obstruct pupils and parents of Whitehouse Primary School for so long? and did the Finance Minster know the money was more than available, if so what did he do about it?

We should all be watching Minister Ruane very closely to see who loses out in the reduction of the "school building capital" budget.

For many years I have insisted that with a Humphreys at ten Ulster can achieve anything. Sadly, in contrast, an Executive lead by Sinn Fein and the DUP seems destined to achieve nothing. More than ever, I am certain that Stormont needs wholesale change if it is to realise any of the hopes of people here.

Let 2011 be the Year of Politicans Being Held to Account

2010-12-30T23:32:00.007Z

I sincerely hope that 2011 is the year we finally get local politicans held to account. Anyone in an elected position who has failed must be shown the door by the electorate.

Recent extreme events, with burst pipes and water shortages, clearly underline the fact that we, in Northern Ireland, are not being governed with competence.

The below links on sluggerotoole provide an interesting view on the issue.

www.sluggerotoole.com/2010/12/30/ni-water-senior-executives-failed-to-act-on-early-signs-of-crisis/

www.sluggerotoole.com/2010/12/31/ni-water-uncancelled-leave-and-serious-management-problems/

www.sluggerotoole.com/2010/12/31/northern-ireland-water-to-hand-20-million-back-to-the-department/

These articles give the impression that this was an accident waiting to happen and right under the nose of Conor Murphy.

Many people in Northern Ireland have had their Christmas and New Year either ruined or just salvaged by the goodwill of family and friends.

We simply cannot go on like this. There can be no more buck passing and no more excuses. Northern Ireland Water is State owned. The Board of NIW is accountable to politicans and the Board is put in place by them. Devolution is failing in Northern Ireland, yet it is succeeding elsewhere. We don't need to have second rate public services run by a second rate Executive. We have capable and able alternatives and it is high time we get them in there and get them running things. Connor Murphy may be a fool, but he isn't the only one.

Only we the people can rid ourselves of representatives without capacity, competence or care. So let's do it. Let's make 2011 our year of change.

I wish everyone who reads my blog a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

William Thompson 1939-2010

2010-12-21T12:28:00.006Z

A lot has happened in the last ten days or so. We have had snow and ice, a local Sports Personality of the Year, a tremendous double by Ulster Rugby, Barry White's new arrival (congratulations to him and Vansessa), savage cuts in the education budget and the announcement of an inquiry into institutional child abuse, coincidentally on the day after the budget was announced. Some cynics may suggest the timing of this inquiry annoucement was designed to to detract and distract from the details contained within the Sinn Fein/DUP budget deal. I should add that the Ryan Commission on institutional child abuse in the Republic cost an estimated 1 billion euros of public money in its cost and in compensation.

Yet all these events, for me, are overshadowed by the passing of William Thompson ten days ago. Although he was a one term MP, he made a wonderful impact in Parliament. Willie represened West Tyrone at the time of the Omagh bombing, so many lives so callously taken, and so many more irreparably damaged. In Omagh's aftermath he defined himself with dignity and compassion, giving great support to the families and his constituents. In Parliament Willie showed no nerves in the way he took to challenging the Government. I was fortunate enough to work with Willie and Ken Maginnis in preparing amendments to the Patten policing legislation in 2000. In the end over 200 hundred amendments were drafted and argued, in either committee stage or elsewhere. Despite pitting our limited resources against those of the Government, we provided a real contest, Willie was a master of detail and often ingenious in how he developed our points. Willie played a key role in the victories we had. He delighted in outperforming those who underestimated him and Willie's sharpness, straight talking and hard work made a lasting impression on me.

Candidate selection confirmed!

2010-12-06T21:39:00.002Z

I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to contest East Antrim for the Ulster Unionist Party.

Roy Beggs Jnr MLA and I will provide all voters with a real and credible Ulster Unionist alternative at next May’s Assembly Election. Working together we will offer voters a team to deliver committed and professional representation right across our constituency.

Earlier this year, in the course of a short campaign, several hundred new supporters embraced my message of change. To them I say stick with us, we offered change and we will continue to work to deliver change. To those who were uncertain, I will work to gain your trust and support in the coming months and I will show you we can deliver something truly new and visibly improved.

Our region cannot labour on with a tired Sinn Fein/DUP dominated Executive that has failed.

This Executive has failed our young people on education, failed to deliver jobs, failed to tackle the disgrace of double-jobbing and failed to brace Northern Ireland against the waves of economic uncertainty. It is bereft of ideas and the steam has long since gone.

Our Executive needs change and our Assembly needs change. Northern Ireland can no longer afford the luxury of do nothing politics or do nothing politicians. We need politicians with ideas and we need political workers.

The many, many messages of support and encouragement I have received since my selection has convinced me that the time is right for our new energy and thinking, this is the time for a different politics and this is the time for a politics that gets the job done.

We offer people here, in East Antrim, a chance for us to move forward together, to build future stability we can all take pride in and create future prosperity we can all share in.

I look forward to debating the big issues in the forthcoming months and I hope politicians from other parties take up this challenge.

I also pay warm tribute to Ken Robinson MLA, who is standing down at the end of this Assembly having dutifully served East Antrim since 1998.”

Only Voters Will End the Greedy Culture of Double-Jobbing

2010-11-27T17:45:00.004Z

I firmly believe in public representatives performing their roles responsibly. Abstentionists and double-jobbers each fail their constituents, albeit in different ways, and in the case of the latter the double staffing allowances are profoundly undemocratic, providing a sitting MLA/MP huge resources to stave off potential competition or opposition.

www.sluggerotoole.com/2007/05/14/what-about-all-those-dual-mandates

I genuinely thought we had won the long argument on double-jobbing. It seemed the pressure had told, when in March this year the DUP anounced all but their Party leader, would give up their second seats. See the link below.

www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8587050.stm

Naomi Long stood down from the Assembly promptly on being returned to Westminster, as did Ian Paisley Jnr. I congratulate them, although it should not be something to congratulate but something to expect. Alasdair McDonnell maintains his appalling pro-double jobbing argument, and if you follow his performances at Westminster you may form the view he is of questionable ability at the first of his jobs nevermind the second.

Then in September we heard that Nigel Dodds would be standing down "in days".

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11222454

All the while, the silence from East Londonderry and East Antrim was deafening. The DUP obstructed legislation in the Assembly to ban double-jobbing. Then came the U-turn. See link.

www.newsletter.co.uk/news/DUP-39Uturn39-on-doublejobbing.6642057.jp

My position on double-jobbing has not changed. I continue to be opposed to this apalling and arrogant practice. If I am elected to the Assembly in May next year, I will give up my job as a barrister. I believe in doing one job full-time and doing it well.

One thing has become clear however, only voters can cure the double-jobbers of their greed, and only voters can make good their broken promises. Register your oppositon to double-jobbing by lending support to those who stand against it.

To borrow someone else's turn of phrase "U-turn if you want to" Peter Robinson, Ulster Unionists are not for turning.

Irish Bail-Out.......

2010-11-21T20:45:00.005Z

When the topic of the Irish bail-out is raised many Unionists seem to feel the need to prefix their opinion with the set phrase, "I take no pleasure from the Irish banking crisis". I don't feel the need to open with such a statement, because I do not presume that others would presuppose that I would take any pleasure from the Irish banking crisis.

The crisis does however redefine the nature of relationships not only between the European Union and Republic of Ireland, but also between the United Kingdom and Ireland, and regionally between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The bail-out is not only necessary and good for the RoI, it is also good for the UK. The RoI one of the UK's major trading partners and RoI banks have a significant role in Northern Ireland. We will benefit regionally and nationally by greater stability in the RoI.

I am not in principle opposed to any bilateral loan from by the UK to the RoI on top of any assistance provided via the European Stability Mechanism or indeed the IMF. Our respective economies are to an extent intertwined, maybe in part born out of our shared British Isles culture and background, but nevertheless intertwined.
Over many years Irish republicanism/nationalism has sought to brand Britishness in Ireland and Northern Ireland as colonial. There is a great irony therefore that the notionally independent RoI is now economically dependent on the French/German axis within the Eurozone and to a lesser extent the UK.

Ian Paisley Snr, now Lord Bannside made the following comment last week during his maiden speech in the House of Lords:

"I noticed an interesting letter in the Irish Independent today in which one of the members of the south has invited Her Majesty to come over and take the whole of Ireland under her control. I shall not throw a bomb such as that into the House today, but it is a good thought. If we all came together with Her Majesty at our head, we would do well. After all, another crowned king did that at a certain famous watering place, which I will not mention today."

This comment by Lord Bannside hints at Irish Unity within the Commonwealth, and although that is not something that I as a British Unionist would argue in favour of, I can see why an Ulster nationalist would raise that as an argument or present it as a solution. It does raise a further question however for those in the RoI. Within the context of the banking crisis, and future deeper economic dependency for the RoI, was it, independence, worth it? We know there is no proper economic argument for Irish unity, but was independence for the South in the first place worth it? and that is a question before we even consider the senseless violence inflicted in Northern Ireland by republicans. Maybe it is time for a proper review of the notion of Irish nationalism/republicanism.

On that note, senseless republicans, I am pleased to hear the deeply unpleasant Gerry Adams is heading South. If I were based in Louth though, I would not hold my breath awaiting his great economic pronouncements or solutions. He has never demonstrated great competence in the economic field thus far in his "political" career.

For "England's difficulty is Ireland's opportunity" substitute "Ireland's difficulty is Sinn Fein's opportunity", for that is modern republican thinking.

Local pride on Remembrance Sunday....and local silence in defence questions.....

2010-11-15T21:26:00.006Z

I spent yesterday marking Remembrance Sunday at Remembrance Services, first in Carrickfergus and then in Glynn. It was great to see so many people remembering those lost and supporting those serving.

It wasn't long, in fact, before I was talking to a lady with a son currently serving in Afghanistan. Northern Ireland has always made great sacrifice and contribution to our armed services. We talked about the mixed emotions all parents of those serving feel, the feelings of immense pride mixed with the dreadful fear, stress and worry. I also chatted briefly to David McNeill, a wonderful man who has researched the records of the fallen from Larne in both World Wars, and made it his task to visit each grave of those who lost their lives.

On a day like Remembrance Sunday, the Britishness of Northern Ireland is evident in abundance. Our commitment to and pride in our armed services is truly admirable.

In Westminster on the 8th November, on the Monday of Remembrance week, the House of Commons heard Defence Questions. I listened to MP after MP stand up for those serving and those stationed in their constituencies. One after another MPs sought assurances that troops returning permanently from Germany would be garrisoned in their respective constituencies. Follow it yourself at the link below.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101108/debindx/101108-x.htm#speakers

The only feeling I had watching this debate was anger. Not disappointment, but anger. Why? well, firstly because only one local MP was on the green benches. Where were the others speaking up for their constituents in Northern Ireland and speaking up for those from our region currently serving? There was no local MP arguing for Northern Ireland to play a role providing homes and lodgings for those returning from Germany and no local MP, on Remembrance week, paying heartfelt tribute in Parliament to our regions immense contribution to and support for our armed services. One week on, I am still angry.

Afghanistan......Supporting Our Troops.....

2010-11-08T00:27:00.002Z

At this time of the year, we start to see more and more poppies appear on lapels, and it focuses minds on our troops serving in Afghanistan. I know Lord Maginnis will be deeply disappointed that he will be unable to visit our troops this week, he is a true and sincere supporter of our Armed Services. Ken and Alderman David Simspon MP MLA were due in Afghanistan, but due to unforeseen difficulties (their respective widths vis a vis equipment) the visit has been cancelled.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11685012

However, this story brought my mind back to the issue of new equipment. Osprey body armour has already saved the life of at least one local soldier last week, a Royal Irish Regiment Ranger from Bangor, and the new Mark 7 helment has reportedly saved the lives of three further Royal Irish Regiment Rangers, all thankfully left uninjured despite bullets striking their helmets whilst on duty in Helmand.

We have been involved in Afghanistan since 2001 and operations against Iraq commenced in 2003, yet Opsrey body armour was introduced in 2005/06 and the Mark 7 Helment in two installments, in Autumn 2009 and Spring this year. Such unforgivable delay must never be repeated, whether it be helicopters, body armour, helments or armoured vehicles, brave young men and women deserve better.

I want to see our future local elected representatives fight and fight to have our troops provided with the absolute best equipment available. It is simply not enough to make a few noises, or just send out a press release or two, when the lives of young men and women are at stake.

For me, political representation, like my work as a barrister, is not just about making an argument, it is about getting results, and getting results often after long hours and through hard work. When something matters this much, our politicans should be three things, persistent, persistent and persistent.

Ford Announces Expensive Review........

2010-11-01T23:38:00.004Z

In the age of austerity our Justice Minster David Ford has turned a blind eye to pressures on public finances and commissioned a team to report on Youth Justice. Mr Ford tells us in his press release that:

"We have developed a proportionate, progressive and restorative approach to youth justice. Our reputation for innovation and effective practice in some areas of work – such as our youth conferencing service and Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre – is recognised both nationally and internationally."

Despite this he is bringing together a former Head of the Care and Justice Division of the Scottish Government, the Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency and the Director of the Police Foundation for England and Wales, to work together until March 2011.

It is only ten years since the publication of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Review. Chapter 10 of the four hundred plus page report was dedicated to Youth Justice. An implementation plan for that Review was published in November 2001. This was followed by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, and the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004, the latter to correct things got wrong by rushing the former.

Our Northern Ireland Youth Justice Agency was only launched in 2003.

We even had the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, and have a published Justice Bill 2010. Both of these impact on Youth Justice. Now factor in that the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Inspectorate has reported on more than one occasion on aspects of Youth Justice in the last few years and the Westminster Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has reported on all aspects of Criminal Justice. What about the, "Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour"?, yes another commission, published a report in 2008.

Did I mention the Justice Oversight Commissioner and his six or so reports?

Why do we need a further review at the current time? Why review at the same time as legislating with the Justice Bill 2010?

Let me tell you why, because of the Hillsborough Agreement of 2010, according to our Department of Justice and our Justice Minister. Yet, that Agreement doesn't actually say we must or should have a review. It suggests, we could have a review and nothing more than that.

What confidence should we have in a Justice Minister who commissions an unnecessary review on the basis of what he believes to be a commitment in an Agreement he either hasn't properly read, or hasn't adequately understood?

There are more pressing issues within our criminal justice system, and our focus and energy should be there.

Cuts, Cuts and Complaints......

2010-10-30T03:18:00.007+01:00

Whoever won the election was going to make cuts, we all knew that. The only debate has been whether they are "too deep and too fast" or at a level necessary to cure the economy and tackle national debt. Nobody has yet defined what would do the job and not be "too deep and too fast", but then those in opposition rarely do.

In Northern Ireland our Executive took a different approach. Whilst George Osborne (a man who it is difficult to warm to) called in each Minister for each Department, over a period of months, to determine what cuts could realistically be made (in their view I hasten to add), our Finance Minsiter gave the impression he was twiddling his thumbs. He only appeared to stop twiddling to allow a tv camera crew to follow him at work, and some might say massage his ego. Who cares about cuts and unemployed he mused, when you can be a jokey fun fella.

Rain was coming, the forecast said so, but some took the view, why buy an unbrella when you can just complain about the weather? There is more rain coming, people are understandably fearful for their jobs, their homes and their families, but our Ministers in the Executive are yet to pull together. They only time they sing from the same hymn sheet is when they complain about "the Westminster Government", in a manner distinctly un-Unionist.

Working together we can limit the damage and impact of cuts on our fragile regional economy, and working together we can lay the foundations of future economic prosperity. The Executive should have planned regionally for the cuts, but it didn't happen. All commentators agree the scale was as anticipated, there were no surprises.

Northern Ireland needs politicans and Ministers who are both willing and able to solve economic problems. As for politicans who fail to plan, and are limited to pointing out problems and making complaint, they are simply not good enough. Indeed, theirs would be job losses we would all put up with.

Ford's Criminal Justice Bill

2010-10-18T23:12:00.002+01:00

I have just given a quick read to the Criminal Justice Bill published today. It was a disappointment to say the least. There is no obvious vision for local Criminal Justice in this Bill, which seems largely comprised of provisions already in force in other parts of the UK, and therefore catch up. It also contains a re-hash of proposals on community safety partnerships rejected by Westminster during debates on the Policing and Justice Northern Ireland Acts from 2000 onwards. Of concern, it weakens guards against convicted criminals being involved in holding the Police Service to account....I wonder who came up with those proposals.....and who took their eye off the ball?

Referendum on AV

2010-10-17T23:53:00.002+01:00

I have always taken a progressive view on electoral reform, and I am delighted that next May's Assembly and Local Government elections are likely to coincide with the referendum on AV. I hope that local parties take up the challenge of putting the arguments before voters in the run up to the election. It will be interesting to see the positions adopted by local parties on this issue, especially if it is tied to a reduction in seats as some peoples jobs or double-jobs may be on the line! On that note, will voters forgive those who have U-turned on double-jobbing?

http://www.caitlynmcallister.com

2010-09-24T17:36:00.007+01:00

I never gave up on my blog, I was either too busy at work, or too busy getting married to make the time to add anything new. However, when I read about a courageous child named Caitlyn McAllister and her wonderfully supportive family in today's Belfast Telegraph, it brought me onto my page the second I put the article down. I have added the link to her webpage as I am unable to locate the Belfast Telegraph article online. If anyone else is able to locate the Belfast Telegraph article, please add it by way of comment, It is well worth reading.

Ulster Unionists Moving Forward

2010-07-04T17:07:00.002+01:00

There will always be a role for Ulster Unionists in Northern Ireland politics. Indeed, there is a role for all Parliamentary representatives from Northern Ireland in national politics. Ulster Unionists must offer unionists a viable long-term vision of inclusive and stable Unionism, which appeals beyond the historic roots of Unionism. I accept that opportunism from the right will always present a problem/challenge to this approach but such an approach broadens the global appeal of Unionism and at the same time creates a potential sustainable Unionism long-term. The current bunch of chancers representing many Unionists are only interested in the short-term and protecting their own narrow self-interest in that short-term. They have no vision for a Unionist future. It is terribly sad that the spectre of "Martin McGuinness" as FM is going to be used against Unionists as a threat or scare tactic at the next Assembly election, when he is already a joint First Minister albeit Deputy, put there by the DUP. It is time for voters to reject politicians that only offer bullying scare tactics.....Remember the £200 million cuts ???

Taking Action.......and Responsibility....

2010-05-16T23:30:00.002+01:00

It is important for any political party in a post election phase to review. If you did well, you review to see how you could have done ever better and if you missed your targets you review to see how you will meet them in the future. First of all was your message the right message....if it was why wasn't it sold effectively? Obvious and simple questions but noneless they may have complex and require detailed answers. It is no good blaming opponents for misrepresentation or opportunism....that is campaigning....but it is right to hammer those who break promises within a few days of the election (Gregory Campbell on double jobbing for example). Communication is central to any election, and explaining your ideas clearly over a proper period of time is central to selling your message. No candidates, no salesmen or saleswomen, and no sales. More to come....

No Ulster Voice In the New Parliament.....

2010-05-11T21:46:00.003+01:00

As the shape of the next Government becomes apparent and the size of the majority of the Conservative Lib Dem coalition confirmed, it is clear that no Northern Ireland individual or grouping will have any influence on the balance of power in the next Parliament. In East Belfast many will be asking why in ousting Robinson by backing a candidate who supports the Lib Dems, they did not simply vote Conservative and Unionist, and in East Antrim many voters who believed in the DUP unfetterd voice will now see a Government not needing to listen to a handful of local MPs. The only influence we could have had by being on the inside is now sadly lost. That said, if the Lib Dems get their referendum on AV that will be good for Northern Ireland too.

Cameron won the debate on the economy....

2010-04-30T08:00:00.005+01:00

See my reaction to the final Leaders' debate on the BBC website

David Cameron was the clear winner to me. He highlighted that in terms of supporting small and medium sized businesses he would set aside a substantial number of government contracts to help those businesses progress, cutting National Insurance for new businesses for the first 10 employees, and proper policies to help grow the private sector which is important for Northern Ireland.

First TV debate of the campaign......maybe not the last who knows!

2010-04-28T23:03:00.005+01:00

Some supporters go the extra mile!

2010-04-28T13:48:00.006+01:00

And what better a way to go the extra mile than in a car decked out with "Vote for Change". It is right that Party and non-Party volunteers offer so much time and commitment during an election that it is truly amazing. They help in so many ways with door knocking and so forth. However, this effort just proved to be the extra mile, it puts me under pressure, I feel obliged to win now to justify all their sincere support and effort!

Feedback on the Doorstep

2010-04-27T18:21:00.004+01:00

As the campaign progresses it is inevitable that we will come across some doors at which we are not the first to visit, despite the lazy approach of some, not all, of our opponents.

We get some who say they have had a leaflet silently thrust upon them, but we also get some who tell you of their verbal exchanges word for word.

Yesterday I got two men who told me of a verbal exchange they had with Sammy Wilson a few days prior, when they challenged him on double-jobbing, they reported his response as being "sure everyone has two jobs", really Sammy? A man today reported to one of my canvass team that Sammy apparently told a former DUP voter to "shut up old man" when challenged on U-turns to which the response was "I hope you loose your seat and your desposit".

However, the highlight of the last few days has been one lady who told the same canvasser that she got a leaflet she believed to be from the DUP (it was actually from the TUV) and phoned the number on it to raise concerns about a lack of social workers in Carrick. When they answered she asked "is that the DUP?" to which the response was "no it is not the DUP/IRA" It seems the feelings between these former colleagues run very strong.

Manifesto Launch

2010-04-26T18:57:00.007+01:00

I am currently racing back to Carrickfergus to canvass having been to the manifesto launch this afternoon, been canvassing late afternoon, then radio interview.

Looking forward to get back to knocking doors and talking to people. You can read the manifesto here. Enjoy!

William Hague kindly attended our launch to show support.

Who do you look like?

2010-04-24T23:17:00.001+01:00

When people start to see posters of candidates up it is a normal human reaction to start comparing them with other people. So far on the door step I have had Elvis from a number of children (to their parents horror especially those who remember him fondly) and I have had Peter Kay. However yesterday I received an email with the following link www.officialantanddec.com/blog/2010/04/16/and-here-we-go-again which made me laugh most, I got a "Dec with a few pounds extra" comment. This made me laugh because when I was around eighteen (over fifteen years ago) I went to the music festival, T in the Park in Glasgow, and as I was less a few pounds then, I looked a little more thin, and someone asked me for an autograph thinking I was Dec (of Ant and Dec).

It is funny how some things repeat themselves. Of course I take the view that none are good comparisons!

Nevertheless I am the only candidate offering real positive change in East Antrim and canvassing is going very well!

Renewable energy and Jobs

2010-04-22T21:45:00.001+01:00

I was fortunate enough to have the time and opportunity to visit Newmills Hydro in Ballycarry. www.newmillshydro.com They have been harnessing water power on this site for 210 years and are now at the forefront of water turbine manufacture. Indeed they have their on turbine on site that makes a telling contribution to factory and proximate residential energy use. This is an exmaple of precisely the local sustainable business we should be seeking to develop in East Antrim and across Northern Ireland, one that targets the markets of the future, and makes a positive contribution to our environmental present and legacy. Very pleasing to see.

Nomination in!

2010-04-19T13:16:00.004+01:00

The process of submitting nomination papers during an election is a procedural formality. You fill in forms (accurately and correctly)and you pay a deposit. However it was a wonderful surprise when attending the electoral office to have a team of supporters waiting for me, and importantly, they were keen to lend a hand canvassing for the rest of the day.

People doing good things

2010-04-17T21:30:00.005+01:00

I have the great privilege today of meeting Tony from "African Child Ministries". He gives up so much of his time to raise funds for good work in Kenya but at the same time providing a fabulous service to people in Greenisland. I would encoruage all to check out the work they do http://www.africanchildministries.org/ The public library next door performs a community role over and above that which one would expect from a library because the dedicated staff there care. On a Saturday morning next to the library is the Mango Tree in Greenisland Baptist Church http://www.gbcni.com/ providing coffee and cake to all who attend and it truly is a hive of activity, a place with a real buzz and atmosphere despite having to deal with overbearing red tape. Sammy arrived after I had left, maybe he needed a lie in with all the hours he claims to be doing, anyway less of Sammy Wilson. All these volunteers and workers really do grasp the meaning of public service, something I wish all our political represenatives understood. I understand public service and I am committed to public service and representing others, that is why I am seeking election.

Greenisland......Greatisland.....

2010-04-16T11:50:00.003+01:00

The reception for Unionists and Conservatives in Greenisland was so good over the past two days I couldnt resist this fitting tribute. In fact Greenisland also produced our first enocunter with other canvassers.....not the DUP but the TUV. It was a friendly meet to the extent that one of the TUV canvassers was able to inform one of ours that he heard we had a very good candidate. Quite right!

Canvassing and Tea

2010-04-15T00:32:00.004+01:00

Canvassing is wonderful. You get to talk to many people, you get a feel for what people are worried about, you get a feel for what they don't mind at all, and sometimes you get tea. Given the importance of talking to people, and greater importance of listening to people, it is a real shame that many MPs do it so rarely. Representating people means being responsive to them, it means reflecting their views and concerns and it means standing up for those views and for those concerns. Too many public representatives get this the wrong way round. They think when they find themselves out of step with their constituents it is the constituents who should check their step, when more often than not is it the representative. Roll on change.

Value for money? The 9.99 Minister

2010-04-11T16:41:00.007+01:00

Very recently Sammy Wilson has started registering his incomes from sources other than being an MP in detail.

The website 'They Work for You' has all the figures on Sammy.

Sammy by his own admission works 215 hours per month on matters other than Parliamentary business and if you accept this self-declaration he also did not take a summer holiday (Given he worked at least 215 hours throughout the summer) or he took his work with him.

However the best part for me is the per hour figures related to being a Belfast Councillor and being a Stormont Minister. His hourly rate, according to him as a Belfast Councillor is in the region of 28.70 per hour, whilst his Ministerial hourly rate, according to him again, is in the region of 9.99 per hour.

In fairness to Sammy he did resign as an Economics A-level Examiner (another paid position) in October 2007 half-way through this Parliament and he also agreed reluctantly to step-down as a Belfast City Councillor last month, as he explained himself, he intended "to resign from Belfast City Council on 1st March, after 29 years on the council. I support my party’s decision to phase our multiple mandates and my resignation is part of this process." This U-turn followed his previous comments such as that given to the Belfast Telegraph as recently as October last year "I am confident that I will be able to fulfil my roles as Finance Minister along with my other positions, and I actually believe they complement one another.”

A Team of Talents

2010-04-10T08:53:00.002+01:00

I am currently sitting in a candidates meeting in Belfast and our collective candidates really display an impressive arrray of experiences from outside politics, skills and talents.

While we may not be "the incredibles", no Jack-Jack or Violet for a start, we do present as a group with varied abilities and balance.

There is real potential amongst this group to make an lasting impression at Westminster on behalf of their respective constituencies and on behalf of Northern Ireland.

What Makes a Good Teacher?

2010-04-09T19:33:00.001+01:00

By the end of tomorrow I hope to be in a position to say we have knocked every door in Whitehead.

Today, like the past few days has been interesting and productive, some talking and a lot of listening. People are crying out for modern professional representation that gets things done. Amid the many chats I had today one stood out, and I shall not name the source of my highlight but I trust I brought something to his day in the same way he did to mine.

I met a guy who had been taught but Sammy Wilson, he aaded he knew him well. As a barrister you are trained not to ask one question too many, but I couldnt help myself. So I asked "was he a good teacher?" and the reply came back "awful", just like his representation in Parliament I thought.

Absent not Missing

2010-04-09T08:29:00.000+01:00

I have been absent rather than missing for a few days due to dongle issues.

Canvassing in Whitehead has been positive and enjoyable with the sole negative of my dongle (mobile internet wireless gadget) not picking up a signal there.

The economy is the issue for most people at this election. People clearly want change both locally and nationally. The challenge for us as the only potential deliverers of change is that people don't believe change can truly happen......that is until.....we have a chat.

It is unfortunate that time will not permit that chat with every potential voter at this election.

However, many people who have not voted for years will be voting this time and just to be clear....not for you Sammy or you other (TUV) Sammy.

Independent Planing Inquiry

2010-04-06T00:11:00.001+01:00

Peter Robinson's irritable appearance and rude behaviour on the BBC last week raises questions of his Party colleagues, in particular the Finance Minister.

It was the Finance Minister's department that paid for the legal advice taken earlier this year by Peter Robinson and it would be the Finance Minister's department that would pay for further legal advice in relation to the five pound land deal.

Therefore, Sammy Wilson, the Finance Minister, should confirm if he would be prepared to pay for further advice, he should confirm he is willing to make public any further advice as well as the initial advice, and he should confirm whether he was aware of this unresolved issue when the initial advice was sought. If Sammy Wilson was aware of this issue he should offer an explanation as to why it was not considered in the initial advice sought.

The public are, some might say rightly, cynical when it comes to politicians, planning and developers. I support a full independent inquiry into the relationship between political parties, planning and developers in Northern Ireland.

This is fast becoming our very own expenses scandal.

Larne YMCA

2010-04-03T16:20:00.001+01:00

I had the great pleasure today of attending a coffee morning in support of Robin Alexander's London marathon bid later this month. Robin has made incredible progress since he started training on the 1st January this year and recently completed the Larne half marathon comfortably.

He is running in support of the YMCA and I encourage all to support him and his charity, something easily done on the following link http://www.justgiving.com/Robin-Alexander

Robin has shown me that in preparing for any race, significant progress is possible in a short space of time. He has also shown me that determination and a will to succeed goes a long way to make up any late start.

Sammy Wilson may be expecting it easy when we meet on the start line next week, let's see if Sammy can match my determination and will to succeed.

Land Issues

2010-04-02T19:57:00.002+01:00

Tempting as it is to involve myself today in asking Peter Robinson, "why buy land you say is of no value? why buy land you say you did not need? and why buy land you say you made no money on? Peter what was your motivation?" I decided to visit another piece of land.

I went to the site of the amalgamated primary school for Islandmagee, no school however. The existing schools' class sizes are dropping and plans are afoot to close them, yet the replacement has yet to be built.

It seems someone somewhere has taken the view that the locals should be forced to send their young children elsewhere for primary education. I think this is an absolute disgrace.

I support local services, in particular primary education, and I want to see Islandmagee with its own brand new primary school, one that local children and parents can be pround of.

WILSON WRONG TO BACK POLICE STATION CLOSURES

2010-03-29T17:51:00.001+01:00

“Sammy Wilson has made the wrong decision. He should not be backing the closure of police station services in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey for 9 hours a day. Sammy doesn’t seem to get the importance of having police station facilities open and operational around the clock.

“I have had the experience and benefit of meeting and talking with many victims of crime. An open police station is a potential haven of safety for all victims. Sammy seems to forget that domestic violence most often takes place in the home and most often in the evening or night-time. Does Sammy seriously expect a victim to remain with the perpetrator until police arrive or go onto the streets?”

“I suspect this support comes from Sammy the Finance Minister who has one eye on saving money and in this instance saving it on his own door-step, now his Party has backed down to Sinn Fein demands to devolve Policing and Justice.”

I support our police service. I wish to see them provided with proper resources to tackle crime and maximise public protection. Cutting back services like this is providing policing on the cheap. Sammy should be taking advice from victims of crime and from our local officers at the coal face. This shouldn’t be about money – this should be about providing good policing."

Call to Sammy to Come Clean on double-jobbing

2010-03-29T17:50:00.002+01:00

“It is clear that Peter Robinson has been forced into making this announcement because of the negative public reaction his party has been receiving over this issue. Also his hand has been forced by the clear commitment that a future Conservative and Unionist government will ban the practice of sitting in both Westminster and Stormont.

"For years DUP MPs have short-changed the people of Northern Ireland by claiming salaries and expenses while double jobbing in Westminster and Stormont and being part-time in both places.

"Now, on the eve of a Westminster election, double-jobber Peter Robinson announces that any DUP MLA elected to Parliament will quit the Assembly. He does not, though, make clear whether this will happen immediately or whether they will wait till the next Assembly elections in 2011.

"Will they commit to stepping down the day after the Westminster election? There is still too much ambiguity from the DUP. Therefore Sammy Wilson should, in his own well worn phrase, ‘come clean’ on this issue. He is on record as stating that he is well able to fulfill all his multi mandates[1], his leader says he cannot. So where does Sammy stand now on the prospect of his income being dramatically slashed in this way?[2]

Ultimately, the electorate in East Antrim will soon have the power to ensure that they get an MP who is fully committed to the job of representing them in Parliament.”

[1] http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/video-sammy-wilson-answers-your-questions-35--politicians-expenses-14332375.html

[2] Current salary £64,766 from Westminster as an MP, £53,014 as an MLA and Minister(£14,367 + £38,647), and £9,738 from Belfast City Council. A total annual salary of £127,518. The Assembly has an Office Cost Allowance of £72,660 for staff and office costs. http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/expenses.htmWestminster has more generous allowances. For the last full year 08/09 Sammy spent £88,577.82 on more staff and 20,794.53 for the office he already pays for on his Assembly OCA. http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/HoCallowances0809.pdf

Prince Charles in Afghanistan

2010-03-26T14:38:00.002Z

I have always had a fairly neutral view of Prince Charles. He has been neither someone I have warmed to greatly nor someone I have felt any hostility towards.

That said, having watched the television footage of his trip to Southern Afghanistan, my opinion has shifted significantly. He presented in a dignified manner as a caring father, as a man of compassion and as a man understanding of and respectful towards local custom and tradition.

He personal thanks to our troops was warm and heatfelt and I now easily see Prince Charles as a future Head of State. I congratulate him in taking the decision to thank those currently serving in person.

Momentum for Change

2010-03-22T01:53:00.001Z

"The growing momentum for change in East Antrim is born of a desire to see full-time committed local MPs making a difference at Westminster. The momentum for change is growing because people here want a direct say on our future national Government."

"After twelve years in power this Labour Government is stale. It sadly comprises of the third and fourth tier of Labour MPs elected in 1997. Only a change of governing party will bring about the fresh intake of talent we need to move beyond the expenses scandal and tackle the serious immediate challenges our country faces."

"Sadly local MPs make no real impact at Westminster and no real contribution to important matters of national debate. Double-jobbing means part-time MPs. If every Member of Parliament took the approach of many of our local MPs our entire system of Parliamentary democracy would fail."

"I offer people here the chance to influence and shape our future national Government and I offer people here the chance to vote in a full-time MP who takes their parliamentary and constituency duties equally seriously."

Selection on 20th March 2010

2010-03-22T00:39:00.001Z

"I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to contest East Antrim at the forthcoming election.

I have already received many warm messages of support and encouragment.

I sense a growing momentum for change in East Antrim and I offer real change.

Voters want and deserve a credible alternative to the representatives who have let them down and failed them in the past."

Unionist Unity?

2010-03-11T23:10:00.001Z

http://www.alastairross.org/statements/2010/010310_5050.php

"I am disappointed rather than surprised that the East Antrim DUP has begun its attacks upon me before my candidature has even been confirmed. This approach makes farcical Sammy Wilson and others suggestions that they are sincerely and genuinely interested in unionist co-operation or unionist unity."

"Alastair Ross, I understand, is Sammy Wilson’s former researcher but it seems he has fallen short on research before making his comments. Had he asked his Party colleague Jeffrey Donaldson, incidentally the only DUP MP attending the committee and voting against the provisions, about my position on 50/50 recruitment he would have been put right on my stance."

"Jeffrey would have been able to tell the East Antrim DUP that I drafted our Party’s 200 amendments against provisions of the Patten reforms in 2000, including opposing 50/50 discrimination in the strongest terms. Jeffrey would also have been able to tell them I wrote many of the speeches delivered in both Houses of Parliament by Lord Molyneaux and others opposing many aspects of the Patten reforms, including strong opposition on 50/50. Jeffrey may also have been able to plug another one of Alastair Ross’s research gaps. I am on record many times for my admiration of the great service members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary have provided to the community in Northern Ireland, not least because my own father gave over thirty years of service in the RUC at the most difficult of times."

"I opposed and continue to oppose 50/50 recruitment, not just because it discriminates against Protestants, but because it discriminates against many other “non-catholic” religious groups. I opposed and continue to oppose 50/50 recruitment, because of itself it is unable to produce a representative police service. And I oppose and continue to oppose 50/50 recruitment because we firmly believe discrimination is wrong. Therefore it will come as no surprise that I find no difficulty whatsoever in making it clear that I will only ever oppose 50/50 recruitment as I have done consistently in the past."

"We know Sammy Wilson isn’t in Westminster often enough to make an impact on this issue, so let me pose a question for him and the East Antrim DUP, why did they not, in negotiating their deal with Sinn Fein at Hillsborough, make it a pre-condition to terminate 50/50 discrimination?"