The NI Conservatives welcome Terry Wright as a member of the party. Terry is a former Deputy Chairman of the UUP and a former Chairman of the Foyle UUP.
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“After a period of consideration I am pleased to confirm that following communication with chairman, Irwin Armstrong, and other members of the party leadership, I have been advised that my membership of the NI Conservatives has been accepted. I look forward therefore to working with party colleagues in building upa viable and positive party of choice for voters in local, NI Assembly, Westminster and European elections.
I have always believed that unionism should aspire to have influence at Westminster and, as a UUP Party Officer, enthusiastically supported the UCUNF Project which, in my view, was abandoned too quickly following the resignation of Sir Reg Empey as leader of the UUP.
Since that time I have been a member of the Way Forward Group a forum of individuals drawn from a variety of backgrounds, political and social. Whilst supportive of the Union, members sought to explore ways of challenging, in a positive way, the status quo of orange and green politics which continue to impede the economic, educational, social and personal development of the people of Northern Ireland.
Since the inception of the group, the situation in Northern Ireland has worsened to the point where it is now mostly characterised and shaped by flags and symbols, failing forums, heightened sectarianism, strained relations within the Executive and stalled economic development.
All of the main parties on either side of a communal divide have retreated to blinkered tribal politics, which are increasing community tension and disillusionment with politics and the structures established under the Good Friday Agreement. Potential is being allowed to ebb away.
On a too regular basis we are being defined by our problems rather than by inclusive solutions aimed at dealing with them. The language of tribal labeling and the context of political debate in Northern Ireland need to be re-defined. The processes through which we are governed need to be reviewed and a new consensus established for moving on constructively and positively towards a better society.
At the same time there is a need to offer a meaningful and influential Northern Irish voice informed by local experiences to the highest level of Government.
Through regular contact with the NI Conservatives I have been impressed by the desire to achieve this.
Since its re-launch the party has grown in number and is establishing local structures throughout Northern Ireland. There is an active and enthusiastic group of younger members committed to building a better future.
I have been made welcome at events and have been pleased to observe the ease with which individuals from various social and religious backgrounds exchange views.
It is clear also that Conservative Party Leader David Cameron is unwavering in his support for NI Conservatism and this provides impetus towards working to build up the electoral base of the party as a means of offering greater and a different choice to voters. This is underpinned by the fact that NI Conservative Party Chairman Irwin Armstrong is a member of the National Strategy Team and attends the Conservative Party Board.
Over time I am confident that more individuals in Northern Ireland, young and old, will come to the same decision that I have reached. In doing so they will be joining the NI Conservative Party of which I am now a member on a journey from a painful past to a more positive and prosperous future. “
ENDS