Mark Brotherston, from the NI Conservatives, has welcomed the idea of an Armed Forces advocate for Northern Ireland, but accused UUP leader Mike Nesbitt of “trying to shift responsibility for yet another issue unto Westminster”.
“I don’t think anyone would deny that there should be a dedicated advocate for servicemen and women in Northern Ireland”, Mark commented. “But in crying to Westminster to sort out another issue that is in the power of the Assembly, Mike Nesbitt demonstrates his own lack of influence and lack of resolve, as well as the lack of genuine vision which exists in all of the executive parties.”
“Mike Nesbitt previously announced that his ‘plan b’ on the economy was to hold out the begging bowl to Westminster. When will the UUP and the other executive parties start taking responsibility? They currently display very little imagination, very little leadership and a huge willingness to shift the blame for difficult issues elsewhere.”