“DUP No Deal Prediction Despite Concessions Underpins Need for Stormont Reform”

“DUP No Deal Prediction Despite Concessions Underpins Need for Stormont Reform” – Cllr Mullen

Cllr Denise Mullen has raised concerns over comments made by DUP MP Sammy Wilson.

Speaking today, Cllr Mullen said “It’s understood that a Brexit Deal has been agreed by negotiators, tailored not to breach any of the DUP’s ‘seven red lines’. It is a disgrace that one party is able to hold the democratic process hostage. Stormont is in urgent need of reform.”

Cllr Mullen continued “While the Stormont parties have played political playground games, the people of the North have suffered under the Cost-of-Living, Health, and housing crises. Crises that are in part, directly attributable to the failed policies of Stormont. All the while, MLAs have taken a wage, for work they’re not doing”

“Aontú are committed to fighting for reforms of Stormont’s institutions so that this crisis can never happen again. Aontú believes MLAs should lose their salaries if they won’t do their job. We are also calling for an end to the system where one party can crash the Assembly or block the Assembly from functioning. We want to devolve economic power from London to Belfast, so Stormont has the financial capacity to help the people of the North.”

CRÍCOH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.