A Conservative candidate has accused two unionist parties of “fantasy politics” in their election manifestos, rather than concentrating on what they can achieve. Johnny Andrews pointed out that the DUP’s proposal to build a bridge or a tunnel to Scotland is “a nice idea in theory but clearly not affordable”, while the Ulster Unionists’ have proposed cutting VAT for the hospitality industry, across the UK, which “they simply have no ability to deliver”.
“The DUP has dropped this bridge or tunnel to Scotland into its manifesto like it’s a new idea”, Johnny observed. “Actually a project like this was first mooted in 1799 and it was examined in detail by the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1953. There are enormous hurdles to overcome in terms of engineering and cost, which could be more than the Channel Tunnel, a scheme that probably wouldn’t be started under today’s financial circumstances. The DUP would be far better to put in place a pipeline of ‘ready to start’ infrastructure ventures, rather than presiding over the endless waste and consultations at Stormont that have accompanied projects like the A5 and the training college at Desertcreat.”
“Meanwhile the Ulster Unionists are committing to cut VAT for the hospitality industry. This is an aim which can only be delivered by the national government and, realistically, the UUP will not be able to exert any influence on such decisions, because it has opted out of meaningful involvement in national politics. In contrast, the Conservative Party can point to a record of delivery for people in Northern Ireland, like lifting 103,000 people out of tax, saving motorists over £510 per year and legislating to devolve powers to cut Corporation Tax. Only a UK wide party, with UK wide influence, will continue to deliver for Northern Ireland at Westminster, while the old Stormont parties can only draw up their fantasy wish lists.”