Public Affairs

Assembly round-up

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Sharp political divisions continued at Stormont in November but matters of the day and stories of personal difficulty had a uniting effect on members.

As November began, members supported Mike Nesbitt’s call for an international mental health centre to deal with the high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder left behind by the Troubles.

The next day, the Assembly responded to the considerable public opposition to the closure of Exploris by accepting a petition and holding a private members’ debate, sponsored by Kieran McCarthy. The DUP opposed a UUP amendment calling on the Executive to provide the “regional funding, resource and support” required by Ards Borough Council. Peter Weir said that this would set a “dangerous precedent” as other projects would also seek promises of funding.

Matters of the day on 11 November combined members’ condemnation of the attempted murder of a retired police officer in East Belfast and their praise for Tony McCoy on achieving 4,000 race wins. The House also endorsed part of the UK Government’s Care Bill which allows health and social care trusts to step in when a care home provider is in financial difficulties.

employment committee millfield On 12 November, tributes were paid to Eddie McGrady – a former member – and a message of support sent to the Filipino community following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

Later in the day, members were impressed by Oliver McMullan’s description of his fight against prostate cancer which claims around 200 lives in Northern Ireland each year. Sean Rogers also recalled how he had battled and succeeded against the condition.

The personal stories tended to unite political opponents at a time when many news stories were divisive.

Jim Wells noted: “Any of us who listened to Mr McMullan’s contribution could not fail to be impressed by his honesty and bravery in raising his journey with prostate cancer.”

The Assembly also called on the Executive to “take all necessary steps” to create an “effective delivery pipeline” of major infrastructure work and therefore help to speed up economic recovery. It must be remembered, though, that the Executive parties hold almost all of the Assembly’s seats.

This places an added responsibility on ministers to deliver on decisions passed by the House.

Criticism focused on Gerry Adams after the BBC/RTÉ documentary on the Disappeared. Martin McGuinness, meanwhile, paid tribute to Father Alex Reid who had made “an incredible contribution to the peace process.”

David Ford noted that he did not fully agree with Reid “but we can agree that he played an absolutely pivotal and courageous role.”

Just as the security situation started to dominate the political agenda before Christmas, the outcome of the Haass talks will undoubtedly have a major bearing on the Assembly’s work as the new year commences.

Members return from their Christmas recess on 6 January and will sit for their first plenary on 13 January.

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