MAGINNESS: DUP PROPOSALS ARE FOG TO HIDE ECONOMIC FAILURE

Monday 11 May 2009

SDLP North Belfast MLA and Euro candidate Alban Maginness said today's proposals from the DUP would not save money or make government more efficient.

SDLP North Belfast MLA and Euro candidate Alban Maginness said today's proposals from the DUP would not save money or make government more efficient.

He said: "At the heart of these proposals is the same old agenda of attacking the Good Friday Agreement, attacking human rights protections and hankering after the good old days of majority rule. These very old ideas are dressed up in the fashionable new clothes of efficiency savings. But they are threadbare, they would save nothing and do much damage.

"The aim of the Robinson proposals is to create a fog to hide the deepening failure of the DUP and Sinn Fein to address the economy. Their budget is no longer fit for purpose. All over the world governments are looking again at spending priorities: here the DUP and Sinn Fein are burying their heads in the sand. The DUP response to the growing criticism across the community and from leading economists is to avoid the issue. This is not responsible government.

"Some of the DUP proposals are sleight of hand. They talk of reducing the number of departments - but not number of civil servants, nor do they mention ending their bonuses. Walking away from the principle of inclusion and returning to majority rule will save not one penny. The Civic Forum they attack hasn't met for years because it was stymied by the DUP and Sinn Fein. People will see through all this fog.

"All of the proposals have a narrow political agenda. Abolition of the Parades Commission and the attack on North South co-operation are attempts to erode nationalist interests and undo effective arrangements between north and south. The SDLP, alone, has argued and published detailed proposals to enlarge north-south co-operation and protect the Parades Commission.

"All of the progress we have made must not be lost. The principles of inclusion and building a shared future by agreement are the cornerstones of our peace and progress."

ENDS