View Irish language version of this page JOIN US STAND UP DONATE


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.”  

 

CRÍOCH

By Aontú Press | 21 October, 2022



Related Posts


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.




STAND UP