
New Election is Worthless Without Stormont Reform - Herdman
Aontú Representative for West Belfast Gerard Herdman has welcomed news of growing cross-party support for Aontú’s proposed Stormont reform Speaking today, Gerard Herman said “It is good to hear other parties promoting Aontú’s policy regarding Stormont reform. The DUP and Sinn Féin have both played hokey cokey with the institutions at a real cost to ordinary people. This must stop. Reform has to be a priority in any returning assembly and all parties should have it as a policy during this election. What is the point of any promises a party makes if the executive is shut down.”
Herdman continued “There are many arrangements that would bring stability to Stormont, for example, Aontú are recommending that current MLA's have their wages cut to the minimum wage if they refuse to do their work. A proposal that should be implemented by future administrations. The Stormont politicians often go on about the cost-of-living crisis and energy costs but they’re insulated from these crises with their high wages for work they’re not doing. Reform is essential to give confidence to the public that are growing cynical about Stormont because of the political games of the establishment parties. Stormont needs to spend our money to our benefit, not their own.”
“There could be an election very soon, this could cost the Northern tax payer as much as £5,000,000. In the middle of so many crises, this money could be better spent elsewhere. This is even more egregious if we’re simply re-starting the clock on another impasse. The DUP can’t be allowed to use the protocol as a political football to try become top dog in Stormont while the people of the North suffer. Aontú will fight hard if an election is called to change the antics on the hill.”
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