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Statement by Reg Empey on 'A Legislative and Financial Model for Stormont: Breaking the Deadlock', (24 January 2006)



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Text: Reg Empey ... Page compiled: Brendan Lynn

Statement by Reg Empey, then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), on 'A Legislative and Financial Model for Stormont: Breaking the Deadlock', (24 January 2006)

 

"The Ulster Unionist Party is not interested in the Assembly resuming as a talking shop - the favoured route of some parties.

However, we cannot under-estimate the damage republicans have done to the ability of the pro-Union community to tolerate an all-inclusive Executive. It is immense and deep seated. The current stream of concessions to republicans is re-enforcing this view. This fact has led us to consider what steps the Government could now take to break the deadlock, see the ending of suspension and provide the public and the taxpayer with a proper service and value for money for a time limited period that falls short of full-blown devolution.

Republicans can harp on about full implementation but, following their actions, this cannot happen in the immediate future until efforts are made to restore sufficient levels of trust.

Our proposals seek to end the drift that some parties are quite happy to facilitate.

Our proposals also give locally elected politicians a degree of accountability.

The UUP is keen to secure the maximum amount of attainable devolution. However we have to realistic. By the election date in 2007 an assessment will have to be made about what is ultimately achievable."

 


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