The Stormont Executive should “concentrate on spending the money it has more effectively”, before the idea of devolving income tax raising powers to Northern Ireland is seriously considered, according to NI Conservatives co-chair Trevor Ringland.
“Basil McCrea raised the possibility of handing the responsibility for income tax to the Assembly, over the weekend”, Trevor explained. “That’s certainly not a practical proposal in the short-term and I think it will alarm many people in Northern Ireland.”
“Stormont politicians have shown an inability to spend the money that they are currently in charge of, responsibly. Devolving income tax would be a huge change to the national constitution, which could have very unpredictable consequences for the UK and potentially disastrous consequences for Northern Ireland.”
“It’s always welcome to see parties and politicians trying to reach out to the middle-ground, or proposing to act as an opposition to hold the executive to account. However any opposition must have the ultimate goal of becoming a government and to do that it is impossible to avoid issues like the economy, welfare, education and health.”
“That means coming from a particular socio-economic perspective and articulating political ideas which are not simply Orange, Green or something in the middle. That means developing coherent policies which can move the debate on and normalise politics, as well as proving that a genuine alternative to the current regime is realistic and achievable.”