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Executive told to ‘get its act together’
South Belfast News 23rd of July 2008
South Belfast MP and SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell MLA has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to ‘get its act together immediately’ and help those in the most need during the current economic crisis.
Dr McDonnell said he is extremely concerned at the continued cancellation of Executive meetings and those involving Ministerial Special Advisors. The current Executive has now not met in more than a month, with several meetings cancelled without explanation.
“During this period economists have warned that we are facing the most difficult economic challenge for two decades,” said Dr McDonnell.
“Gas and electricity prices have gone through the roof and experts are predicting further increases of up to 40 per cent later in the year.
“The rapid escalation of the cost of living is in stark contrast to the activity of our own Executive where it now seems meetings of ministerial advisors are now being cancelled on a routine basis.”
Dr McDonnell insisted that as elected representatives the First Minister and his deputy were being paid a ‘handsome salary’ from the public purse to deliver a devolution process that makes a difference to people.
“Quite rightly many householders will be asking what the First Minister is doing to help in this current climate,” he said. “But the answer to that is abundantly clear. Put simply the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister are not leading in terms of economic development. This is not good government nor is it good for government in terms of public confidence.
“However, the DUP/SF axis is not leading on anything else either with several outstanding issues remaining unresolved,” he added. “These include fundamental issues such as the devolution of policing and justice powers, an Irish language bill and an alternative to the 11-plus.”
Dr McDonnell continued: “The situation has reached such a level on intolerance that Margaret Ritchie, who has been unable to table a number of urgent bills, has already written letters to OFMDFM seeking assurances ministers will meet next week.
“The stalemate and obvious disagreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP should not be allowed to slow down the progress of devolution because as those who are suffering most during this economic downturn will testify things are going to get a lot worse very quickly unless the Executive acts now.”
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