END DESIGNATION

IT IS UNDEMOCRATIC CREATES SECOND CLASS MLA’S AND REINFORCES SECTARIANISM

Brian Wilson MLA has written to the Secretary of State calling for a review the requirement of MLA’s to designate either unionist or nationalist.

The requirement to designate can no longer be justified as it is undemocratic, creates second class MLA’s and reinforces the sectarian nature of NI politics.

Brian states; “The present situation where MLA’s have to designate as either unionist or nationalist can have no place in a modern democratic system. The MLA’s who decline to designate “the others” are in fact treated as second class MLA’s and denied a say in many important decisions.

"Issues such as the appointment of Ministers, setting the budget, and petitions of concern all require cross community support as determined by MLA’S designation. “The others” may vote on such issues but their vote is immaterial as it cannot influence the decision."

"Therefore not only am I denied a say in issues such as the budget but those who voted for me are also denied a say. To disenfranchise voters because they did not vote for candidates with either a unionist or nationalist identity is totally unacceptable in any democracy. At a time when political parties are frequently calling for equality I have yet to hear any party calling for equal rights for MLAs.”

BRIAN CALLS CAMERON’S BIG SOCIETY A BIG CON‏

Brian Wilson MLA condemns Mr Cameron’s idea of a Big Society

It is just another Conservative attempt to cut public services and is based on a utopian view of society. While some elite communities may wish to run their own schools, shops or public transport this is not the case for a vast majority of communities.

It will have disastrous consequences for many people particularly those living in the inner cities who struggle to survive and do not have the money or the energy to take control of public services.

It will result in the transfer of tax payer’s money from public organisations to businesses e.g. schools being run for profit. Resources required to setup these new community run schools will inevitably be taken from the underfunded and struggling schools in many city areas.

The idea of a big society is dishonest and is based on totally unrealistic expectations and as far as the voter is concerned it is merely a big con.

BRIAN CALLS ON FINANCE MINISTER TO DEFER FURTHER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE CUTS TO NEXT YEAR

Unemployment figures are extremely disappointing and highlight the fragility of the Northern Ireland economy.

Brian Wilson calls on Sammy Wilson “to follow the example of the Scottish Finance Minister to defer additional public sector cuts until next year.”

“These unemployment figures highlight the fact that we are the only part of the UK where unemployment is still rising and indicate unlike the rest of the UK Northern Ireland has not yet emerged from the recession. This is reinforced by the latest Ulster Bank review which predicts increasing unemployment”

“To make further cuts at the present time will inevitably lead to a double dip recession and greatly increase our economic problems”