A delegation from the NI Conservatives met Minister of State, Andrew Murrison MP, as part of the all-party negotiations taking place at Stormont. Mark Brotherston and his team explained the party’s view on the current welfare and budget impasse, as well as policy positions on issues around flags, parading and the past.
“We had a very constructive meeting with our colleague, Mr Murrison, and made our contribution to the current talks process, which the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, has worked very hard to convene, in order to keep devolution on track”, Mark said. “We explained that we regard welfare reform as an essential part of getting people into private sector jobs, rebalancing Northern Ireland’s economy and building a prosperous future for everyone. We also want to see a budget settlement which is aimed at creating jobs and providing excellent, value for money frontline services.”
“We made a number of proposals around dealing with Northern Ireland’s past, reiterating themes outlined in our Haass talks submission, including a ‘statement of wrongs’ acknowledging the fact that all acts outside the law were wrong and the establishment of an archive telling the stories of everyone who lost their lives during the Troubles. Our position on flags remains that the Union Flag should fly on all designated days, at council headquarters and government buildings, right across Northern Ireland, to reflect our constitutional status.”
“Local Conservatives believe that Stormont will continue to suffer periodic crises unless fundamental problems with devolved government are addressed. Principally we want to see the introduction of an Executive formed by voluntary coalition, with cross community safeguards, and an official opposition. The minister received our ideas with great enthusiasm and we’re confident that they represent a positive input into a talks process dominated by parties which have failed abjectly to deliver good government at Stormont.”