Daithí McKay - Republicanism, Craic agus Scéal

Sinn Féin say flag-flying putting £2million grant in jeopardy as funders prepare to meet council

2012-01-25T15:24:00.000Z

The Arts Council is to meet with Ballymena Council to discuss its decision regarding the use of flags and symbols in the Braid Centre. Confirmation that the meeting was taking place was given to local Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay in an answer to a question he put to Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. Sinn Féin has said that the decision not to keep the Braid Centre neutral and free from flags could put at risk the £2 million grant that the Arts Council gave to the Council.

Mr McKay said

“Most councils across the north keep their council chambers free of flags and Ballymena Council should do the same rather than becoming embroiled in court cases and putting a £2million grant at risk. Ratepayers would have expected the council to have matured by now and realise that to increase economic prosperity, tourism and investment Ballymena needs a modern pluralist image, one that is accepting of different cultures and the sensitivities that already exist in this area.

“The controversy over the Braid Centre as well as the resultant reinforcement of negative views of the town should have been avoided. The council should have listened to the legal opinion that they were provided instead of ignoring it. They should also have taken into account previous court judgements made in regard to flags and symbols elsewhere in the north.
“This council should be neutral for workers and councillors alike. Erecting the flag of the old Stormont regime in the council sends out a clear message to Catholics that work in the council as well as Catholics that live in this district – it is truly pathetic.

“From the onset of this discussion Sinn Féin along with others has been advocating Equality or Neutrality on the issue of flags and emblems. That is a common sense approach. Council buildings should be a welcome place for all who work in them and for all who visit them.

“Unionist councillors have put a £2million grant for the Braid centre at risk and this may now be lost as this decision was reached without consultation with the Arts Council. I have put a series of questions to the Arts & Culture Minister about this and it is to be welcomed that the Arts Council will now be meeting with the council to discuss this matter. It is a basic condition of all lottery funding that projects supported must be open and accessible to all sections of the community. All Arts Council contracts also contain clauses relating to withholding of funds or claw back of funds if an organisation breaches any condition of grant. This clearly outlines what the potential cost of council’s obsession with flags could be and I do not think that ratepayers will want to pick up this £2million tab.

“We are in difficult economic times. Does anyone really think that leaving this council open to being taken through the courts over the next few years on the basis of these flags is going to help create jobs and prosperity? Of course not, if anything it will make people think twice of shopping here or coming to do business here, it will have a negative effect on people's perception of the town. That is not what we in Sinn Féin want and that is certainly not what local ratepayers want."

Radical measures needed to halt rise in energy prices

2011-09-27T00:21:00.000+01:00

Sinn Féin brought a motion to the floor of the Assembly today on the issue of energy prices in the wake of yet more price hikes in oil, gas, electricity, even coal. I put it to the Minister that we should look at the possibility of undertaking energy brokering and more radical measures to address energy prices as tinkering around the edges isn't working.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I rise to support the motion, and I very much welcome the debate that we have had today, although there is a sense of being resigned to the fact that there are a lot of limitations on what we can do. So, after today’s debate, we need to explore the options and come back with solutions as soon as possible, because there are not enough solutions on the table at present.

I went on to the Consumer Council website last night, and it contains a very useful tool to compare the prices of oil and fuel prices across different parts of the North. When looking through its archives from the past two years, you realise the effect of the prices. We can say that gas prices have gone up one third and that electricity prices have gone up 30%, but what does that mean in real terms? For example, the average price for 900 l of heating oil on 22 September was £533∙62. This time last year it was £396∙68, and two years ago it was £339∙56. So, that is an increase of £200 over two years for a fill of oil. Those are the kinds of figures that households are facing. Of course, as many Members have said, people from rural areas not only pay for oil but for a fill of fuel to go to work in Belfast every day. Some people come from west Tyrone and some come from north Antrim, and the price of fuel has shot through the roof in the past year.

In the past two years, we have been living in a period of the worst winters, certainly in my living memory, and that exacerbates the problems that we face. Of course, indicators from some sources in Roads Service suggest that this year will be worse again. So, not only will we have problems with our transport system, but that will add to the excess winter deaths that the Deputy Chair of the Social Development Committee referred to earlier. So, people need help and support, and we need to provide some solutions to those problems.

The Deputy Chair of the Social Development Committee, Mickey Brady, referred to a number of proposals that were presented to that Committee, one of which was energy brokering. A feasibility study has been carried out by the Housing Executive, the Consumer Council and Bryson Charitable Group, and it recommended that, by using local and central government procurement bodies to use their energy purchasing power as a base load, we could leverage a better deal for domestic consumers under one contractual tariff arrangement. So, the state, as opposed to a private company, could act as a broker on a cost-neutral, not-for-profit basis. That would increase savings to the consumers further. The report was based on the success of a Dutch initiative called Met de Stroom Mee, which sought the registration of 10,000 households that agreed to let it negotiate on their behalf directly with the energy companies. That is one alternative that we should look at.

Phil Flanagan opened the debate and made the important point that we should try to ensure that the House is undivided on this issue. I am glad that that is the case and that we have had a constructive debate. He referred to the fact that the chief executives of some energy companies are paid exorbitant salaries: £700,000, in one example. It is absolutely ridiculous that anybody earns that sort of money, given the pressures that ordinary people face and the fact that the worst off in society are in their worst position in some time.

He also raised the issue of Power NI proposals to plug the gap in pension shortages and the rural impact of energy prices, because oil is more expensive than gas, and, as Mickey Brady also said, 82% of homes use oil. That needs to be addressed. The Minister also referred to that when she said that we need to extend the gas network to ensure that people have more choice over what sort of energy they use.

Mr Flanagan also has a habit of using the F-word in debates these days: fracking, to which the Minister also referred. I do not know the details of that particular issue, but I am sure that there will be many more arguments about it.

Stephen Moutray proposed the amendment. He outlined that the Minister cannot set prices, and that is recognised. He also said that the construction and transport sectors are affected, so this is not only an issue of household prices, it affects how many jobs there are in the economy and causes us to lose more jobs than necessary. Mike Nesbitt also referred to the increasing levels of fuel poverty.

South Belfast Member Alasdair McDonnell emphasised that inroads had been made in regard to renewables and used the key word “sustainable”, which leads me to a major part of the problem. When he appeared before the Committee, the Utility Regulator referred to the fact that we are totally over-reliant on fossil fuels. Anna Lo made the pertinent point that Scotland is moving ahead in that regard. If we all get our heads together, there is absolutely no reason why we should not be in the same position, because we have the same potential. Look at Strangford and the coastline between Rathlin and Ballycastle; we should be a world leader in developing tidal energy technologies and using our natural resources.

Anna Lo referred to long-term sustainability and the fact that 99% of our energy needs are met through imported fuel. The Minister also said that difficult choices have to be made about renewables. I am sure that the Minister faces a lot of concerns in her constituency, as I do in North Antrim, where a lot of applications are made for wind turbines. The natural reaction from many constituents is, “Not in my backyard”. Therefore, we will sometimes face difficult choices. In his statement to the House earlier, the Education Minister said that sometimes we will have to make difficult decisions that will not be popular, but we need to have a long-sighted approach on energy if we are to ensure that we deliver in people’s best interests, particularly those in fuel poverty.
Sue Ramsey outlined the reasons put forward for price rises, including natural disasters, conflicts and more domestic issues, such as pension funds. She also said that absolute clarity and transparency are important when it comes to price rises, and you cannot disagree with that.

Mickey Brady, as Deputy Chairperson of the Social Development Committee, said that other measures must be explored by the Minister for Social Development and the Enterprise Minister. He outlined energy brokering and social tariffs. I suppose that the most pertinent point he made was that 756 older people died of cold-related illness last year.

Sometimes during debates, we look at the statistics and forget about the reality behind them. As Michael Copeland said earlier, it is shameful that the situation continues. I welcome the fact that the Minister said that she will make a joint statement with the Minister for Social Development with regard to moving the issue forward and dealing with fuel poverty. However, it needs to be something substantial. If it is not, she needs to look at the alternatives that are available; for example, at what they are doing in Holland and Britain with regard to social tariffs. If those cases prove to be successful, we need to apply them here.
Most importantly, we must not sit back and do nothing. We can tinker around the edges and put in place minor schemes to mitigate the impacts. However, we need radical policies in place if we are to deal with the real problem here, which is the statistics relating to those who are dying as the result of fuel poverty.

Marketing and accommodation key to Ballycastle realising full potential

2011-09-19T00:36:00.000+01:00

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that Ballycastle should be one of Ireland ’s most popular tourist hotspots and that stakeholders should focus on increasing accommodation and achieving a higher scale of marketing. Mr McKay was speaking after meeting the Enterprise Minister along with the local Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking after the meeting Mr McKay said
“Ballycastle has so much going for it in terms of its location. It has the Glens to the east, Rathlin Island to the north, Carrick-a-rede and the World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway to the west. It has beaches, a quality golf course and the aul Lammas Fair. Yet so many other locations, whether it be in Mayo and Kerry, have higher tourist numbers with less of a tourist product in my opinion.

“This is something that needs to be addressed and was the focus of today’s meeting with the Tourism Minister Arlene Foster and senior officials of both Invest NI and the Tourist Board. We should not be in the position that we are currently where there are no hotel rooms in the town, and whilst we raised the issue of the Marine with the Minister today there are obviously limitations to what her department can do at this stage. What we need from DETI, and other departments to be fair, are incentives for people to invest in accommodation (of all types). Further to that Invest NI should be doing more work to attract investment into Ballycastle by flagging up the opportunities that clearly exist to investors further afield.

“A number of proposals were put to the Minister at the meeting which she has agreed to look into. I intend to work constructively with the Department on this matter but will not hesitate to hold them to account if Ballycastle is not prioritised equally with other parts of the north where tourism is a key economic driver.

“Key to increasing tourist numbers is choice in terms of accommodation and a selection of attractions and activities which we already have here in abundance. Marketing is also vital and Ballycastle should be seen as being at the heart of the Causeway Coast and very much the gateway to Rathlin. I have tabled a series of questions to the Tourism Minister to ask what exactly Tourism Ireland and NITB have done and plan to do to market Ballycastle and Rathlin. I believe that they could be doing a lot more.”

Welcome for £25million investment in Ballymena Health Centre

2011-07-21T22:27:00.002+01:00

For Immediate Release

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the announcement that the Health Minister is to provide approximately £25million to build the new health and care centre on the Braid Valley hospital site in Ballymena.

Mr McKay said

“At a time when there have been a lot of negative decisions regarding the withdrawal of various health provisions in North Antrim it is indeed welcome that the Health Minister has not reneged on the agreement of the previous Minister to build the health and social care centre.

“It is important that this centre is open to the public as soon as possible and although the Minister has announced that work on designing the new facility will begin later this year what people want to see is a completion date for the work and a commitment that there will be no further delays or extensions to this.

“That should not take away from the fact that this announcement will come as a reassurance to those of us who have supported the progressing of this capital project and is testament to the lobbying work that local elected representatives have engaged in over the past few years.”

PSNI officers slammed for allowing bandmen to assault Catholic man at Ballycastle parade

2011-07-16T15:47:00.004+01:00

Sinn Féin has criticised the PSNI operation at a recent parade in Ballycastle and said that a young Catholic man was beaten to and on the ground by a number of bandsmen during the recent 12th demonstration because of police inaction. Cllr Cara McShane said that three police officers stood by whilst the attack took place and did not intervene.

Cllr McShane said

“Whilst a number of commentators and newspapers reported that the Twelfth parade in Ballycastle was trouble free and without incident the reality for people in the town was something quite different.

“The attack in question took place at the end of the Twelfth demonstration in the town at Novally Road. A number of members of the Dervock Young Defenders band actually came off the bus that they had already boarded and launched a vicious assault on the man punching and kicking him on the ground. More sinisterly, a flagpole was used by the band in the assault.

“As the attack was taking place three police officers were located literally a number of yards away and actually stood with their hands in their flak jackets and did not intervene. Indeed as soon as the band members attacked the young man the officers turned away.

“The fact that bands deliberately played both ‘the Sash’ and the ‘Billy Boys’ outside the Diamond reflects the fact that many participants in this parade were only interested in intimidating Catholics living in this town. This behaviour is totally unacceptable."

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay added

“This type of policing response from these three officers is all too reminiscent of the Robert Hamill case in Portadown, it is old style policing and has no place in today’s society. The real test for the PSNI here in North Antrim is how they will deal with the officers concerned as well as officers in the town, one of whom spoke to a public representative and said that there was no issue with a band playing the Billy Boys outside the Diamond as they were not “singing it”.

“There is a need for the PSNI to ensure that members of the public have confidence in local policing. These recent events will lead to there being less confidence in policing here in Ballycastle, and demonstrates that those who harbour old policing attitudes within the PSNI still feel that they can get away with certain actions and inactions. That in itself reflects a major problem in terms of police discipline. As a first step the PSNI should engage with the victim and his family because they have not afforded him the protection which he should have received from these officers. Secondly the PSNI should investigate the three officers concerned and discipline them accordingly. The nationalist community in this town will be paying detailed attention to how this is dealt with because such officers who come to this town with the attitude that these officers displayed should be ‘out on their ear” as far as members of the public are concerned. Indiscipline and the fact that the PSNI fail to deal with it effectively will only serve to isolate members of the nationalist and republican community from policing.

"We will be meeting the PSNI this week to raise these matters and the party will be raising it through the Policing Board."

Ballycastle hotel provision needs focus from NITB & Invest NI

2011-05-29T21:51:00.003+01:00

At the Enterprise Committee this week I raised the issue of youth unemployment with the Minister Arlene Foster. The Executive needs to be looking at ways that we can ensure young people can continue to get apprenticeships and are not forced to consider leaving Ireland.

I also raised with her the matter of hotel provision in Ballycastle. The Marine Hotel there recently went into administration and there is no other hotel in the town. However I believe with investment and focussed work by Invest NI and NITB we can secure not only the re-opening of the Marine but also other hotel provision. We certainly have the tourist numbers here and we must ensure that Ballycastle and this part of the north coast becomes a place where overnight visitors want to come to, not just a place for a day out.

North Antrim Sinn Féin Election Video

2011-05-02T10:15:00.002+01:00

This is the video referred to in today's Irish News complete with Monty Python-esque animations of Carson and Craig and some hurling clips:

Childcare funding boost for local groups

2011-03-06T22:10:00.001Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the £12million boost for childcare announced in the final Budget. He also said that it is important that the Executive decide upon a Childcare Strategy which will ensure that there is certainty and assurance for those who work in the sector as well as those who avail of it. He was speaking after meeting with the Rasharkin Women’s Group along with Rasharkin Sinn Féin representative Leanne Peacock.

Mr McKay said

“Childcare is a vital service for many children and parents alike and there is a concern that funding for it could be squeezed after the British Government cut to the local Budget. The ministerial subcommittee on children and young people has produced a substantial scoping report into childcare provision which has revealed that there are significant challenges in provision and affordability.

“I would like to very much welcome the budget provision of £12million over the next four years for a childcare strategy. I also welcome the announcement that there will be immediate action from the £3million that has already been made available.

“It is important that childcare is not only viewed in terms of education or health but as an economic driver in itself. It is because of childcare and afterschools clubs that parents are available to remain in or go back into full time employment.

“There are 80 afterschools clubs across the north and the investment that the Executive already makes to this pays for itself economically in my opinion and should be continued. The Executive are currently considering a Childcare Strategy and it is important that this is made the responsibility of a department in which it will not be found at the back of the queue when it comes to committed long term funding.

Miss Peacock continued

“The Womens Group in Rasharkin has been to the forefront of numerous initiatives in the community here and has contributed hugely to improving the education, skills and health of people living in Rasharkin over many years.

“People truly rely on the work that is done by the group and we will work to ensure that the funding streams that contribute to this work continue.”

Assembly Question-Time :Motor Neurone Disease

2011-02-21T17:15:00.001Z

Motor Neurone Disease

1. Mr McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether his Department is conducting any research to advance the drug treatments available to those suffering from motor neurone disease. (AQO 1035/11)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): No studies on drug treatment for motor neurone disease are under way in any of our health and social care trusts. Furthermore, health and social care research and development, which is in the division of the Public Health Agency that allocates research funding provided by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, is not currently funding any such studies.
Research into new treatments, including new drugs, is typically undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry or in specialised institutes and laboratories across the world. If new treatments were to become available in the UK, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) would be expected to assess them. NICE rigorously and independently assesses drugs and treatments and provides guidance to my Department on their use. That guidance is then assessed for its applicability to Northern Ireland.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer. Is his Department being proactive in co-operating and keeping abreast of developments through its counterparts in the South? Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, for example, is taking part in international trials for new drugs that may benefit sufferers of motor neurone disease. If those are approved, will the Department make them available to sufferers in the North?

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I was not aware that those trials were ongoing specifically in a hospital in Dublin. Trials are typically ongoing in a number of hospitals and in a number of countries. However, if new treatments become available after research, they will be assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. It is on its recommendation that the Health Service is then able to fund particular treatments.
I understand Mr McKay’s questions. It is a particularly difficult condition with a poor life expectancy. Work on the condition is ongoing. If we got the appropriate drugs that gave sufferers any anticipation of progress, I would not be slow in coming forward.

Woodtown Road 'deathtrap' requires immediate action

2011-01-12T01:47:00.002Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that someone will be killed if drainage problems on the Woodtown Road in Ballymena are not addressed urgently. Mr McKay was speaking after a car aquaplaned into a house on the road last week.

Mr McKay said

“Last April I flagged up the problem of excess water gathering close to the junction of the Woodtown Road / Bog Road with Roads Service and the fact that cars had previously aquaplaned into the yards and houses of local residents.

“To date this issue has not been resolved and as a result we had a near tragedy when a number of vehicles again aquaplaned into a family home here at the end of December.

“Those living here have been shaken up by what has happened and talk about the possibility of cars crashing into their home again in terms of ‘when’ not ‘if’. Statutory agencies need to intervene here immediately to deal with this.”

Braid Sinn Féin Representative Paul Maguire continued:

“It is quite clear that someone will be killed if this problem isn’t seen to. The drainage needs to be addressed, street lighting should be introduced on this stretch of road as well as appropriate signage.

“We have made arrangements to meet with Roads Service this week to discuss this problem, I hope that meeting will be constructive and will result in a positive outcome.”

Loyalists confront Catholic children in Rasharkin with weapons

2010-12-19T15:46:00.000Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has condemned an incident in Rasharkin where a group of loyalists confronted a number of Catholic teenagers armed with a wheelbrace, hockey stick and stanley knife.

Mr McKay said

"I am aware that the incident occured in Rasharkin last night after a number of men were asked to leave a cafe in the village where they were directing sectarian abuse at a number of teenagers. After the teenagers themselves left the cafe they were confronted by the same men who threatened them with a wheelbrace, a hockey stick and a stanley knife.

"These men were intoxicated and represented a significant threat to members of the public on the Main Street in the village. At 9.10pm last night I contacted the PSNI who were to come out to the village and take statements from the young people involved who were clearly very shaken up by what was a quite traumatic incident. The PSNI did not come out to take these statements last night. They then put out a press statement about the incident without trying to ascertain the version of events from all parties involved. I find this both unprofessional and totally unacceptable.

"It is an absolute disgrace that these loyalists who brought weapons onto the streets of Rasharkin last night have not been arrested." ENDS

Plastic Bag Levy Proposals adopted by Executive

2010-12-16T00:12:00.003Z

Having to agree a budget in a time of financial austerity is never a good thing but one of the positive things about the Executive's budget is the fact that a levy on plastic bags will be introduced. Having only introduced a bill to the house on the matter recently I would have to very much welcome this as will environmental groups but also other sections of society who stand to gain from the revenue generated from this levy.

Those who have been following the campaign that we fought on this matter will know that it was at times difficult to see if such a proposal would go through the Assembly and there were negative soundings from some quarters way back in 2008 when Cathal Boylan and myself put a motion to the house supporting a plastic bag levy. However no party ruled out the possibility of a levy entirely.

I put together a piece of legislation which would place a 15 pence levy on plastic bags and proposed that the proceeds of this would go towards the Green New Deal Housing Fund. The GND will improve the energy efficiency of 100,00o homes, provide 2-3,000 jobs, save Co2 and take more people out of fuel poverty. To see this proposal become a reality after the Sinn Féin team brought the issue to the negotiating table is extremely satisfying given the environmental, social and economic benefits that it looks set to deliver on.

Below is an excerpt from today's Budget debate:

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome his announcement that the Executive will adopt proposals from my Single Use Plastic Bags Bill, which I brought to the Assembly quite recently. I also welcome the Executive’s approach of identifying additional revenue streams and refusing to be restricted by the Tory-imposed comprehensive spending review. Will the Minister confirm that that work will continue and further avenues for new revenue will be considered, including additional tax-varying and borrowing powers?

The Minister of Finance and Personnel: My only regret about the plastic bag tax is that leaflets will probably go all round north Antrim saying what a great triumph it is for Daithí McKay. He has caused me to have second thoughts about that proposal.

We have already hammered down and nailed down some revenue proposals, and £842 million worth of them are in the Budget. There is still work to be done on a large number of other proposals, and we have sought ways to ensure that they are followed up. Rather than simply saying that they are good ideas and hoping that Ministers work at them in their Departments, they will be pushed forward by the Budget review group. Therefore, there will be some central drive. The Member is quite right: the strength of our Budget proposals and some of the discussions that we had will be that they can supplement the amount of money available for public spending in Northern Ireland.

Proposal for footway between Rasharkin and Finvoy ‘being progressed’

2010-12-13T14:56:00.000Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed Roads Service’s announcement that his proposal for footway provision between Rasharkin and Finvoy has met the criteria to progress for further more detailed appraisal.

Mr McKay said

“Already there is significant footway provision between Ballymoney and Finvoy and also from Finvoy towards Rasharkin. However from the village boundary to the north of Rasharkin out towards Finvoy there are a lack of footpaths and this is along a stretch of the road which can be treacherous for pedestrians to walk along.

“The proposal for footway here would cover an area of 2,500m and it is to be welcomed that it will now progress for further appraisal. Given the length of the proposal and the potentially high cost such a project would inevitably be done in stages. It is however at a preliminary stage and if it progresses further it will be subject to funding availability.

“I will continue to monitor this proposal’s progress and push for it to be prioritised. The fruition of this would mean that there would be pedestrian access from Ballymoney to Rasharkin, something that would be very much welcomed by walkers in the area.”

Single Plastic Bag Bill brought to Assembly floor

2010-12-09T19:53:00.000Z

Questioning at DFP Committee on Spending Review & Budget

2010-12-02T22:13:00.000Z

Questioning at DFP Committee on Spending Review & Budget

2010-11-25T21:18:00.001Z

QuestionTime - North Antrim Capital Funding for schools

2010-11-25T20:27:00.005Z

New schools have been built recently in Ballycastle and Portglenone in the North Antrim constituency and the Education Minister attended the opening of both of these in the past two weeks.

Its quite clear that the level of capital build spend is far superior to the Minister's Direct Rule predecessors who handed back millions of pounds unspent, a disgraceful situation which Caitriona has succesfully addressed. We do need more capital spend in the constituency for schools such as Castle Tower and Braidside Integrated but there is a long list of schools waiting and the key to securing such funding is (1) The Executive addressing the massive cut in Capital Spending which the British Government is proposing and (2) The Finance Minister allocating more money to the Education Minister for Capital Spending on Schools.

More capital build will also help our Construction workers who are going through a very difficult time at the moment so the benefits of this are multiple.

Sinn Féin seek assurances over Causeway A&E Service

2010-11-14T20:26:00.001Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed assurances from the Northern Trust that the Accident and Emergency 24 hour service will be retained at Causeway Hospital. Mr McKay was speaking after meeting with the Chief Executive of the Northern Trust in Ballymena and wants a further assurance from the Health Minister that the service will not be scaled back.

Mr McKay said

“There is a lot of concern amongst people in North Antrim at the moment that the A&E in Causeway may be scaled down significantly over the next year and that they will be forced to go to hospitals in Antrim and Altnagelvin at certain times. Such a situation would be disastrous; it would affect ambulance response times, deprive this rural area of a much-needed service and result in local people having to travel for over an hour to access an A&E. During our meeting the Trust has assured me that there are no plans to scale down A&E and are committed to retaining the service which I very much welcome. However I would also like an assurance from the Health Minister that he will support the retention of the service and I have tabled priority questions to him in the Assembly regarding the matter.

“We discussed with the Trust the details of the proposed transfer of services out of Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena and still have a number of concerns about the consultation proposals which they released last week and the services located on the site. The approval of the £14million Health and Social Care Centre at the Braid Valley site has not yet been secured but I have to say that I am encouraged by the positive soundings I have heard in regard to this and given that the proposal itself will be revenue neutral it makes economic sense for this particular proposal to go ahead. We are in a severe financial climate however so its important that all local representatives continue to lobby the Minister in regard to this until it is signed off on.

“At this difficult time economically I think we need to be wary of the school of thought that exists that believes hospital services should be centralised into a very small number of sites and the influence it may have on departmental proposals. Such thinking, which may be effective in large urban areas in other countries, does not take into account the rurality of this area and the effect it will have on the rural community. Sinn Féin will oppose any efforts to run down vital life-saving services such as the A&E at Causeway and the Minister needs to be frank and honest with the public about what his department’s proposals are for Causeway hospital.”

Sinn Féin hosting information evening on Farm Modernisation Programme

2010-11-07T21:28:00.000Z

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay is inviting local farmers to come to a presentation by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on Tranche II of the Farm Modernisation Programme. The meeting will be held at Loughgiel Millennium Centre this Thursday 11th November at 7pm. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 26th November.

Mr McKay said

"Officials from the Department will be at the meeting to outline the key elements of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) including eligibility, criteria and advice on how to submit online applications. Tranche two of the FMP is open for application for a six week period from 18th October until Friday 26th November 2010.

“All applications received will be scored individually at the end of the application period and those awarded the highest marks will receive funding from the £7m that has been made available.

"The Minister's objective with this tranche of FMP is to target disadvantage by focussing on those farms within the Less Favoured Areas, where a need for modernisation is great. FMP is about modernisation and those people who operate in difficult farming and environmental circumstances everyday. The intention is to ensure that those farmers should receive that modernisation opportunity within this second tranche of the Programme.

"Any farmers in the local area who have questions pertaining to the FMP or need advice on completing applications should feel free to attend the meeting we have organised for Loughgiel on Thursday night."

Grammars have lowest number of new-starts from low-income households in North Antrim

2010-10-29T18:04:00.005+01:00

I have just received details of North Antrim Secondary school enrolments and what percentage of enrolments are from low-income households (ie qualify for free school meals). Once again its quite clear that those from low income backgrounds are less likely to get into Grammar schools. These are the figures for 2009/10:

Post primary schools in the North Antrim constituency – Year 8 enrolments and entitlement to free school meals – 2009/10

Ballymena Academy (Grammar) 2.8%
Cambridge House (Grammar) 5.2%
St. Louis (Grammar) 6.3%
Dalriada (Grammar) 7%

Cross & Passion (All-ability) 12.1%
Slemish College 13.6%
Cullybackey High 16.5%
Ballycastle High 18.3%

Our Lady of Lourdes 22%
Dunluce 22.7%
Dunclug College 26.1%

St Patrick's College 26.7%
Ballymoney High 26.8%
Ballee High 53.5%

North Antrim Sinn Féin Election Convention

2010-10-29T17:47:00.002+01:00

Removal of Braid Valley Services for Older People slammed

2010-10-29T14:52:00.005+01:00

Below is a statement I have just put out in relation to a consultation document put out by the Northern Trust today on 'Future Services for older people - changes to inpatient rehabilitation and palliative care services in Braid Valley Hospital'.

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that proposals released by the Northern Trust today to remove services from Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena represent yet another move to strip North Antrim of vitally needed health services.

Mr McKay said

“These proposals from the Northern Trust, if implemented, will strip North Antrim of yet more vitally needed health services.

“It is vitally important that palliative care services are retained within the community here in Ballymena. The Board’s proposals will mean that relatives of those who need this service will be forced to travel a greater distance to Antrim to see their loved ones, and this will mean that there will be additional problems for those who have difficulty accessing transport. In the case of those who live in the Glens for example they would be forced to travel 35 miles to Antrim Hospital.

“At the present moment in time Braid Valley houses a locally based rehabilitation service. The proposal that this service be relocated across three other hospitals, Whiteabbey, Causeway and Mid Ulster, all a considerable distance away from Ballymena, will again cause great difficulty in live in Ballymena and the more sparse rural part of North Antrim.

“The document also proposes that older people recovering from hospital based fracture care are to be cared for in facilities in a nursing home in the Ballymena/Antrim area and that community support and care services will be provided to patients at home.

“I have major concerns about all of these proposals and the impact they will have on older people and their families. I will be meeting with the Chief Executive of the Trust to outline these concerns and putting forward the case that health services for older people in their entirety need to be protected and not undermined in any way, especially given the economic climate we are entering into and the detrimental effect that rising levels of poverty and fuel poverty among older people in our community.”

Sinn Féin set sights on retaining North Antrim Assembly seat

2010-10-29T00:20:00.003+01:00

Below is a copy of the speech I made earlier this evening at the North Antrim Sinn Féin Selection Convention for next May's Assembly Election:

"As an Irish republican I am honoured to have been selected as the Sinn Féin Assembly candidate for North Antrim- because Sinn Féin has proven itself to be a dedicated advocate of the Irish republican struggle. Our party is comfortable in laying out the keystone value of a united Ireland of equals because we genuinely believe that it represents the best future for all the peoples of this island.

"Political commentators have made the point that boundary changes in this constituency mean that there may now be one nationalist quota. Republicans in North Antrim have faced big challenges in the past and I have no doubt that we will do so again and do so with integrity and on the basis of our work rate rather than just seeking to play the ‘Nationalist Card’ for narrow self interest.

"Our commitment and the voters’ confidence in us now sees Sinn Féin as the largest voice for nationalists and republicans in the North and the only all island party. This trend is reflected here in North Antrim.

"We have already had a taste of how the Unionist parties, guided by the Orange Order, will fight the forthcoming Assembly election. The days of ‘Smash Sinn Féin’ have morphed into ‘Unionist Unity’. The political manifestation of that will be fevered attempts by the unionist political leadership to scare voters into voting for them to stop Sinn Féin taking on the role of First Minister. This focus on symbolism is a distraction and a feeble attempt to hide the fact that political unionism continues to fail its communities. For example the social group worst affected by the continuance of academic selection in North Antrim, and across the entire Six Counties are working-class Protestant males. We will continue to fight for their right to equality of opportunity as much as any other section of our community.

"This month a British political coalition has committed to the most brutal programme of cuts since the 1920s. The current British Government have no mandate here but they expect us to stand for the gutting of the North’s public sector, the resulting damage to our Health and Education systems and the cuts to Welfare entitlements. Those on the lowest pay and the most vulnerable in our society are being targeted in order to pay for the excesses of the bankers and the ideological goals of Thatcherites.

"Unemployment and hardship and the attacks on our public services affect all sections of our community and cannot be tackled by unionist unity. However they can be tackled by all the parties working together for the common good. What is required is a unity of purpose across the political parties. A unity of purpose to build our economy. A unity of purpose to ensure that no community has to live in poverty and that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. A unity of purpose to work together, to safe guard our public services and to promote agreement, peace and reconciliation.

"Sinn Féin has been at the forefront of bringing forward ideas about how we protect jobs and the most vulnerable in our society whilst at the same time making it clear that the bankers and those who have enriched themselves on the sweat of others should pay to take us out of the economic meltdown that they created. Compare our approach to that of Sammy Wilson who simply wants everyone to accept the cuts and get on with it.

"We face a challenge of recognising the common ground between our communities.

"The effects of poverty and social disadvantage do not recognise religious or political opinion. The poverty felt in Loughgiel, Dunclug and Ballycastle has the same impact on families and communities in Harryville, the Glebe or Bushmills.

"There is an urgency to address poverty and disadvantage. In our society over 100,000 children live in poverty. Every day that this continues is an indictment on us all.

"Sinn Féin prides itself on being the party of Equality.

"The DUP has consistently rejected recognising the rights of Irish speakers by refusing to bring forward an Irish Language Act, they have discriminated against nationalist and republican councillors in places like Ballymena and Ballymoney, and Unionist spokespersons from both leading parties have fallen over themselves to insult the GAA, its supporters and players.

"We are about creating equality not just for nationalists or republicans but for all in our society. We must question the disparity between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ within our community. We must question why all communities have not experienced the same benefits of peace and economic growth and why there is continuing inequality.

"We need to address this issue and we need to address it together.

"I hope when many within the Unionist / Protestant community go to the polls that they will reflect on what their real concerns are and who really represents their best interests. If you ask any of those who work in our constituency office they will tell you that a significant proportion of people we help come from the Protestant community, showing that there are many who see beyond Unionist political rhetoric and recognise that Sinn Féin is here to work for everyone in North Antrim.

"We have been unwavering in our condemnation of all sectarian attacks which have taken place. Those who carry out such attacks from within the nationalist community should be mindful of one thing. Their actions damage their own community more than any other. Equally reprehensible is the lack of leadership being shown by unionist politicians when flags, images and symbols associated with the Catholic community, nationalists or republicans are burned at bonfires. Unionist politicians, with some exceptions, still avoid tackling the issue of sectarianism in their community.

"Much has been achieved during the past Assembly term.

"It was Sinn Féin who used parliamentary privilege to name and identify the links between the DUP and a private developer who had a vested interest in building a Visitors Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. After we made this revelation we scrutinised all DUP decisions in relation to the Visitors Centre. The end result of this and the accompanying media spotlight which had been placed on the DUP was not only the granting of permission for the original public sector proposal for a Visitors Centre at the Causeway but also the resignation of a senior DUP Minister.

"Our Minister Conor Murphy has championed Rathlin Island at the Assembly. He has introduced a Rathlin Island Policy to the Assembly and Executive, the first of its kind.

"Through our constituency work we have uncovered severe cases of neglect in some of our care homes and have raised the issue with the Health Minister. Care of older people in society needs to be of the highest standard and we have championed the appointment of an Older Persons Commissioner to ensure that the rights of the elderly are protected.

"We have been the only political party to the forefront of highlighting the drugs problem in Ballymena. We have secured road safety measures across the constituency, particularly in Glenravel. We have represented workers from all communities who have been subjected to harassment and unfair treatment in their workplace and have cooperated with Trade Union officials to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld. In April of this year we secured the opening of relief centres in Loughgiel and Ballymoney to help assist communities faced with extreme weather conditions. Instilling a sense of community and assisting those in the greatest need is at the heart of who we are as a political party.

"We must continue to make gains, electorally and politically. The Assembly undoubtedly needs full fiscal powers so that we can act in the economic best interests of those we represent and the devolution of these powers out of the hands of a British Government intent on making cuts regardless of the impact on the most vulnerable is something that we will continue to work towards.

"Making those gains both politically and electorally will require a lot of work, a lot of effort and no resting on our laurels. No seat is guaranteed or won until the votes are cast and counted. That work starts now."

Educational inequalities

2010-10-27T12:23:00.004+01:00

The Education Minister has just answered an Assembly question I submitted concerning the number of school leavers entitled to free school meals that achieve at least 5 GCSEs A* - C. The figures below again highlights that those who come from low income families are significantly less likely to achieve at secondary level education. And as we know these pupils are also significantly less likely to attend Grammar Schools as well.

Percentage of school leavers achieving at least 5 GCSEs A*-C (inc. equivalents) by free school meal entitlement 2005 to 2009

Academic Year Entitled to Free School Meals Not Entitled to Free School Meals

2005 35.6 70.3

2006 37.6 70.2

2007 37.9 70.4

2008 39.7 71.8

2009 42.9 75.0

HR Connect discussed at DFP Committee

2010-10-25T01:52:00.000+01:00

Construction Reps brief DFP Committee

2010-10-25T01:40:00.006+01:00

Below is an excerpt from a Committee briefing by the Construction Employers Federation to the Finance and Personnel Committee earlier this month:

Mr McKay:
From the perspective of the Committee and the Assembly in general, we need to halt the slide before we can recover. It is disconcerting that there are still 700 job losses a month. If a company were losing that many jobs, it would be on the front page of the paper. I am thinking of the effect that Quinn Insurance had on the entire community. It is death by a thousand cuts, and it is having a big impact on rural communities. David referred to the Strangford area. The need for fewer construction workers is having a big impact in north Antrim and, probably more so, in mid-Ulster, together with all the services that have been affected, such as filling stations, etc, that no longer see the white transits lined up outside the door.

The banking issue has been covered already. Whatever the rationale may be for the aggressive banking practices, it is certainly having a huge impact. We have only had a general picture so far with regard to how many businesses are being pushed to the wall. Do you have any figures or any idea that would give the Committee a general impression of the scale of businesses that are being pushed to the wall on the basis of loans and overdrafts that are being called in, etc?

Mr Fox:
We do not have the figures for the specific element of why companies being driven to the wall, and I do not think that it is available.

Mr Lucas:
It would be difficult to be exact. People would just regard it as being commercial job losses.

Mr McKay:
How big a factor is it with regard to the overall job losses?

Mr Fox:
From what we can gather, a lot of the job losses are from companies that still exist. A lot of companies have the ability to almost hibernate. The ribbons of the businesses have been cut and they have been strimmed right back to their bare bones for survival: that is where a lot of companies are. Even those who are still working are working short weeks, and that is not reflected in any figures. Nevertheless, it is reflected in people’s pay packets, and they know all about it. That makes it difficult to get the real hard sense of it.

Mr McKay:
How constructive have your engagements been with the banks?

Mr Lucas:
The banks tell us that they are open for business and ready and willing to lend, particularly in the house-building sector. However, when we talk to them, they say, first of all, that they are looking for a loan-to-value rate of around 75%. In other words, if you want to buy a house at £100,000, you have to put down a £25,000 deposit. I do not know too many young people looking for starter homes who could put down £25,000. The next thing is that, if a bank does give you a loan, the interest rate will be significantly higher than the current base rate. The base rate is 0·5%, but the interest rate for mortgages for first-time buyers is around 6·5% or 7%.

The third and crippling factor is that, if a young couple applies to a bank for a mortgage, instead of, as in the old days, applying the prudent three times the first income test and one or two times the second income, the banks now put couples through a stress test. Three years of bank statements are looked at so that the bank can see a couple’s income, expenditure and outgoings, to determine how much is spent on loans and other commitments, such as food and going out. If the bank finds one example of a missed payment, for example, of a credit card or utilities bill, that is enough for it to turn that couple down. That is why houses are not being sold at the moment. Our members have plenty of demand from young people wanting to buy houses, but they just cannot get the mortgages.

Mr McKay:
I spoke to somebody who had reapplied for a mortgage in the past four or five months. Everything was going fine until something came up in a credit check. However, the banks are refusing to tell that person the specific reason. It is case of going from one extreme to the other. Is that happening across the board? Are some banks better than others? A couple of weeks ago, four banks came before the Committee, and some said that they were doing more than others.

Mr Lucas:
Over the past 18 months, we have, on three or four occasions, met all the major local banks. The scenario has been the same as that which I have just described. The banks say that they are open for business and ready and willing to lend. However, the reality is very different.

Mr Fox:
We must remember that the majority of mortgage lending does not come from local banks in Northern Ireland. We have to ask how much influence those banks that are lending mortgages have over policy in Northern Ireland.

Mr Lucas:
That is the biggest problem. The Northern Ireland market is perhaps less than 1% of the UK mortgage market, and the policies on bank lending are being set in London.

Mr McKay:
Has the rate of young people coming through apprenticeships in the colleges and techs been affected? Are people deciding to go down another route? Is there a stream of young people coming out the other end of those courses with nowhere to go?

Mr Fox:
That is a major problem for our industry and for society. We track, through our stated trade, the proportion of apprentices to employees. Over the past two or three years, that has gone from a high of around 6% to the current figure of just above 2%. That shows what is happening in the industry. Companies have shrunk their businesses, are holding on to the people who are skilled and able to do the work, and have not been able to hold on to their apprentices. Most people that I hear from would love to be able to take on apprentices, and it is with great regret that they cannot. However, when it comes to business decisions, companies have to try to survive. It is at those times that apprentices are let go.

As you would expect, fewer people are coming through the system. However, we are very keen to try to raise the bar for the industry. The Construction Employers Federation’s role is about not just representing our members’ interests, but about driving the industry in a positive direction. We have been working very closely with government construction clients to agree that any company wanting to work for a government client should be able to demonstrate that 5% of its workforce is made up of apprentices, and our aim is to try to sign off on that by around 13 October 2010. Therefore, it will not just be the companies that win government contracts that will have to meet the 5% target, but any company that is even going for a contract. If companies want to work for a Northern Ireland government construction client, they will have to demonstrate a commitment to apprenticeships through that 5% ratio, which is 1:20. That will be very healthy for the industry and good for public expenditure, as well as delivering a very positive social benefit.

To come back to what I said at the start, that is another example of a tangible benefit that investment in construction can deliver. The benefit is not just economic but societal.

Banks lack moral compass

2010-10-25T01:25:00.003+01:00

Below is an excerpt from a meeting between the DFP &DETI Committees and the Churches, on the issue of the behaviour of banks, which took place in the Assembly last month:

Mr McKay:
I welcome the initiative that the Churches have taken forward. It turned a much-needed spotlight on the banks. Some of your comments will give us food for thought on what clout we have with the banks and on what we can do. How we put pressure on the banks is key, and we must try to identify some actions.

There has been much debate about morality and about how the banks lack a moral compass or a social conscious. Indeed, one of the reports from the banking focus group homed in on the culture in banks that views clients who default as bad people. That needs to be addressed. I also echo what the Chairperson said about a banking ombudsman. There needs to be more regulation and more safeguards for taxpayers to ensure that they are treated fairly and with some degree of morality.

What is the Churches‟ view on banking practices? Do they view the banks as institutions that are unnecessarily ruthless and that act without a social conscience? Is there more that we can do, particularly through the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, to ensure that whatever grant aid is available is given to small and medium-sized indigenous businesses? Given that many are family businesses and there is a big personal impact on those families and on the communities they serve, there needs to be more focus on and more support given to that part of the business community.
Fr Bartlett:
After all those meetings, my reaction surprised me, as it was one of sympathy for the people who are trying to manage our banks through this complex and, for them I am sure, frightening situation. That is why I want to repeat that we are not here to have a go at the banks per se. I came away with a sense that those people, as professionals, are struggling with a very complex international situation that, in part, may have been of their making in some cases, but was never, in any case, completely of their making. That is important to note. I also want to note that they have a sincere desire to try to get this matter right.

However, there is great disparity between the evidence that we heard, which you heard earlier, and their understanding of what was happening in the relationship. Part of that seemed to be that senior management seemed to think that, by having certain policies about culture, attitude and so on, those were translating into the front line. The Committee might want to explore that with the banks a little, as there was certainly some disparity.

The issues of biggest concern in my perception of banking practice are the culture/atmosphere of the relationship and the pace of recovery. With regard to culture, when listening to banks‟ business and private customers, our dominant experience was one of fear. In fairness, bank
leaders may not fully appreciate the level of fear that people have of them, the decisions that they can take and the power that they have over their lives. Something needs to be done internally to address that culture of fear.

With regard to the issue of pace, the Committee heard evidence this morning, which was consistent in our listening, that there was a sense that banks were working to recapitalise themselves at the cost of businesses and that they were claiming what assets and so forth they could to recover their own balance sheet without any concern for their responsibility to employers and employees. That is a broad brush explanation; the issue is much more nuanced than that, but that was the concern about pace.

Rev McDowell:
I understand that, when it comes to the crunch, the default setting for any business is to make a decision that is in the interests of your own business. However, when your business is principally also financing others‟ businesses, that can very easily, quite unconsciously and, perhaps, unintentionally, colour your judgement. The idea of an ombudsman or somebody who can make more objective decisions and take all things into account is very important.

Unfortunately, the culture of banking is that big decisions tend to be pushed further up the line to committees that nobody knows or meets. Banks have ceased to be part of the communities and small, provincial towns in which they function. Those are the places where they could get to know the people behind the businesses and be educated, for want of a better word, in the ways of those businesses, and it is also where they could make decisions. Therefore, it is very important that that is addressed.

Question to DETI on GAA tourism

2010-10-17T22:15:00.005+01:00

Below is a question I put to the DETI Minister Arlene Foster about hurling and tourism. Clearly theres nothing much being done about it. The best NITB have done is make a reference to Casement Park as a venue for hurling! The Economusee work is however to be welcomed and theres a great niche business going from strength to strength at Scullion Hurls but theres nowhere near enough promotion being done of hurling by NITB.

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has done to promote hurling as one of the tourist attractions in North Antrim.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has been supporting the development of the Economusee concept in Northern Ireland. The Economusee concept is based around the idea of safeguarding and developing local craft skills and at the same time, creating a new tourism product by developing a series of craft workshops with open access to the public. Scullion Hurls based in Loughgiel, Co Antrim has just been approved for development as the second business in Northern Ireland to meet the criteria to be an Economusee. Scullion Hurls is a traditional craft with strong roots in the local area of North Antrim, manufacturing ash hurleys for individuals and clubs across Ireland and further afield. The current business employs two brothers who promote their product within their retail unit and on-line.

NITB promotes major national and international sporting events through its website www.discovernorthernireland.com and literature, but is not designed to promote specific individual sports.

Responsibility for promoting Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) events rests with the GAA however NITB does make specific reference to Casement Park as a venue for hurling. The sporting traditions of Northern Ireland are represented prominently in Tourism Ireland’s global marketing communications suite of 41 websites in 22 markets, market literature and in promotional and publicity campaigns. It is recognised that their portrayal can play an increasingly important role in helping potential visitors to envisage some of the unique and compelling aspects of a holiday in Northern Ireland.

Video : Equality legislation should not be undermined

2010-10-15T12:39:00.000+01:00

Video : GAA tourism question to Culture Minister

2010-10-15T12:24:00.000+01:00

Anti-poverty measures must remain priority for Executive

2010-10-14T22:03:00.002+01:00

Sinn Féin Poverty Spokesperson, and North Antrim MLA, Daithí McKay has said that the Executive must take steps to ensure that the rate of poverty in the north, especially amongst Older People and Children, does not rise significantly as a result of the ongoing economic difficulties. He was speaking after the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister published its Lifetime Opportunities Framework Baseline Report in line with the Executive’s anti-poverty and social inclusion strategy.

Mr McKay said

“The statistics released today indicate that whilst the number of children in absolute income poverty has reduced from 29% in 1998/99 to 17% in 2008/09 and the number of children in relative income poverty has fallen to 25%, there has been a rise in these figures in the last two recorded years of 2007/08 and 2008/09. They should also be viewed against the backdrop that the north has higher levels of children in relative income poverty than the rest of Ireland, Britain or the European Union.

“These figures are of course a cause for concern and reinforce the message that was made at a Barnardos event earlier this week that we must protect the most vulnerable and that must be factored into budgetary and spending review decisions that the Executive makes.

“The other group most exposed to poverty are older people. Pensioner households have a significantly higher proportion of weekly spend on necessities than any other type of household (50%) and the absolute income poverty rate for pensioners has risen from 18% in 2002/03 to 22% in 2008/09. Fuel Poverty in pensioner households was also at the high rate of 50% according to the latest figures published in 2006.

“Any British government decisions in regard to cutting Child Benefit and Winter Fuel Payments, such as the freeze on the Child Benefit payment rate, will undoubtedly place more vulnerable people below the poverty line. The Executive, for its part, needs to adopt innovative policies such as the Green New Deal to ensure that these Fuel Poverty figures are improved upon and that houses belonging to pensioners are made more energy efficient for example. They must also ensure that the Fuel Poverty Strategy delivers.

“It will certainly be a challenge to keep people above the poverty line given recent rises in unemployment and a shortfall in public finances but the Executive must ensure that anti-poverty measures are central to policies put forward by government and departments.”

Pony mauled by dogs in Ballymena

2010-10-14T21:26:00.003+01:00

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that more needs to be done to deal with dangerous dogs. Mr McKay was speaking after a pony was mauled to death by a two dogs on the Dourey Road in Ballymena earlier this morning.

Mr McKay said

“This is the second vicious attack by dogs in the Ballymena area this week. On Saturday morning a dog ripped into the face of a visitor to the Ballymena market doing him considerable physical damage.

“The loss of this pony will be devastating to its owners and we should also be mindful that if these dogs had attacked a child that we could have been dealing with a human fatality here today.

“These cases highlight the need for stronger dog control legislation, which Minister Michelle Gildernew is currently taking through the Assembly. The existing arrangements need to be improved upon and we must ensure that we promote responsible ownership. This legislation will also introduce strict exemption conditions aimed specifically at protecting children. We must ensure that dogs are controlled and that appropriate measures are taken when people and other animals are put at risk.”

Tourism bodies 'ignoring GAA product'

2010-10-12T21:35:00.005+01:00

Earlier today I questioned the Sports Minister Nelson McCausland on the matter of making hurling and Gaelic Games in general part of the tourism product in North Antrim. Surveys have been carried out on this matter before. One survey of tourists in Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Donegal found that only 12.3% were familiar with the GAA but more than 68% would be interested in playing or watching an indigeneous Irish sport. All of the business tourists surveyed said that they would be interested in seeing Gaelic games during their stay

A survey of 414 tourists in Antrim, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal found only 12.3% were familiar with the GAA but more than 68% would be interested in either playing or watching a sport unique to Ireland. All of the business tourists were interested in seeing Gaelic games during their stay.

Two University of Ulster academics, Adrian and Frances Devine, made a series of recommendations which need to be acted upon:

* The GAA linking with tour operators to provide a sporting package involving tickets for matches or a visit to a GAA museum and the opportunity to learn how to play Gaelic games. Development officers could coach tourists and sporting camps could be established to enable visitors to meet and train with famous players and coaches and to visit leading venues.

* Offering discounted admission rates for tourists, especially families, possibly through sponsorship deals.

* Gaelic Scór competitions - essential GAA talent contests - should be promoted as cultural tourism.

* Details of GAA matches and directions to venues should be posted in tourist information offices.

* Establishing GAA interpretative centres and more GAA museums.

* Linking the GAA website to those of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

* Distribution of GAA videos on hurling and Gaelic football to Tourism Ireland’s overseas offices and bringing overseas tour operators and tourism journalists to Gaelic games.

“If promoted properly, the link between the GAA and the image it portrays can be exploited to attract overseas visitors to Ireland. All Gaelic games are amateur, drug-free and family orientated - admirable qualities in today’s sporting arena,” they said.

I had a chat with party colleague Barry McElduff, Chair of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, and we have agreed to take further action in regard to this issue which continues to be overlooked by NITB and others.

Oral Answers to Questions

Tourism: Hurling

2. Mr McKay asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether his Department has had any contact with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in relation to the promotion of hurling and hurling matches as part of the wider tourism package for the North Antrim area. (AQO 269/11)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McCausland): Responsibility for the development of a wider tourism package for the north Antrim area is a matter, in the first instance, for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the relevant district councils. Responsibility for the promotion of hurling and hurling matches as part of that package rests with the governing body of Gaelic games, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). I can confirm that none of those bodies has contacted my Department on that matter. However, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) consulted DETI on the development of its recently published Sport Matters strategy. That strategy recognises the potential contribution that sport can make to tourism and the local economy, and it contains a number of targets and actions that are designed to promote Northern Ireland to tourists as a world-class venue for a range of sports and sports events.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer. The GAA in Ulster commands a membership of over 250,000, has over 100,000 active players and is a key economic driver. Sports that are played in other countries, such as baseball, basketball, Australian rules and pelota, which is played in parts of Spain, are marketed at tourists, so I believe that DETI has responsibility for promoting hurling here. Does the Minister agree that hurling is a unique and indigenous sport and that we should be signposting tourists to it and, in particular, games such as the recent Loughgiel v Cushendall match? That would help to generate revenue for not only that part of the sports industry but the wider economy.

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure: We have a very wide range of sports in Northern Ireland. I am sure that we would agree that all those sports have a role to play in our tourism product.

Vital Children's services need protected from cuts

2010-10-12T13:05:00.005+01:00

Sinn Féin has said that the Executive needs to ensure that services affecting vulnerable children are protected after the carrying out of the Comprehensive Review. Daithí McKay, the party’s spokesperson on Poverty, and Sue Ramsey the Sinn Féin representative for Children were speaking after attending the Barnardo’s launch of a Paper by Professor Colin Talbot entitled ‘Protecting Vulnerable Children in the New Public Spending Austerity’.

Mr McKay said

“We very much welcome the event organised by Barnardo’s today. This report outlines why the issue of vulnerable children is of huge importance to the north.

“There is a huge onus on the Executive to protect the most vulnerable children in society, especially in the face of the forthcoming Spending Review. There is a clear danger that cuts made to individual children’s services could be very hazardous for vulnerable children.

“A compelling case has been made for an evaluation of the Executive’s spending on children across government. This is particularly important given the report released by the Children’s Commissioner last year which stated that the expenditure per child in the north on personal social services amounted to £287 compared with £513 in Scotland, £429 in Wales and £402 in England. Given that children here already receive less when compared to other areas it makes it all the more important that children’s services here are upheld and supported rather than cut further.

Ms Ramsey continued

“We do however need to ensure that where money is being invested in children’s services that we are getting returns and this point is echoed by those working in the Children’s sector. We will be asking the Ministerial sub-group on Children and Young People to consider the proposals contained within the report and ensure that forthcoming budgetary processes and spending reviews here do not adversely affect the most vulnerable children and young people.

"20% of children here are living in households receiving income support, we have higher levels of persistent poverty and a higher proportion of young people (25%) than in England, Scotland and Wales. We have more young people living in households that suffer from low income and worklessness. Given those facts the Executive needs to ensure that support is given to those children who need it most."

River drainage in Martinstown completed

2010-10-10T22:51:00.001+01:00

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Daithí McKay has welcomed the completion of a vital river drainage scheme completed at Martinstown, last weekend.

Mr McKay said;

"Following requests by residents who had seen their properties flooded in recent times due to the river backing up, myself and local Sinn Féin representative, Paul Maguire, met on site with a Rivers' Agency engineer to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

"Following a study of the area around the bridges at Glenravel Road and Knockanully Road, an extensive drainage and banking up scheme was completed by specialist environmental and drainage contractors. A build up of stones and silt over a prolonged period was so severe that an island had formed between the bridges with trees and other vegetation growing on it. All of this has now been removed to allow the river to flow freely once more.

"I should like to thank the Rivers' Agency and their contractors for the prompt and professional attention given to these important works and trust that local property owners will no longer be troubled by further flooding."

Stark inequalities being introduced into Child Benefit system

2010-10-05T14:45:00.002+01:00

Below is press release I just put out relating to the British Government's proposals for Child Benefit:

Sinn Féin MLA and Poverty Spokesperson Daithí McKay has said that the British Government decision to cut child benefits in 2013 will have a greater impact on single parents and families with a stay at home parent than others. He said that the Tory party’s approach to cutting benefits will result in higher levels of poverty.

Mr McKay said

“This proposal from the British Government will leave you with a perverse situation where on the one hand a couple with one child who earn over £80,000 will qualify for Child Benefit yet a single mother or father with a large family and an income of just £44,000 will lose thousands of pounds in Child Benefit which they are now entitled to. This is a very crude proposal that has more to do with meeting targetted public spending savings than the best interests of children.

“This is in addition to the freezing of Child Benefit rates for the next three years and the fact that the British Government has not put forward any concrete proposals which will tackle child poverty.

“Further to that they are refusing to guarantee that the Winter Fuel Allowance will remain untouched. That is a major concern for us as the north has a high rate of older people in poverty, a rate which is continually rising.

“These proposals from the British Government will introduce stark inequalities into Child benefit distribution and will have a huge impact on single parent families and families with stay at home parents. Such an approach to welfare will inevitably lead to a rise in poverty and is something that this Assembly must oppose robustedly.”

Assembly Debate on Equality and Good Relations

2010-09-30T10:42:00.004+01:00

Ms M Anderson: Go raibh míle maith agat. The motion and the amendment betray a lack of understanding of the equality provisions in section 75(1) of the 1998 Act. For that reason, we will reject the motion and the amendment.

The motion clearly suggests that equality and good relations are coequal sides of one coin; that they are both as important as each other. That is simply not the case, because good relations can be built only upon equality. Equality cannot and should not be built upon good relations. Shame on Margaret Ritchie, the leader of the SDLP, for driving such an agenda.

Let us take housing as an example. If we were to work on the basis of objective need, it might be shown, for instance, that more Catholics are on the waiting list and need allocated housing or that more Protestants are on the waiting list and need allocated housing. However, some people could object to having Catholics or Protestants living nearby because it would have a detrimental impact on good relations. The SDLP’s motion promotes the idea of equal status for equality and good relations. Is the SDLP saying that, were that to be the case, housing for Catholics or for Protestants could be blocked on that basis? Where would that have left the Gildernews?

Mr McDevitt: If we are going to have a debate, it is important that we understand the difference between equality and equity. Ms Anderson seems to have forgotten the basic lesson of the schoolmistress who invites her children to take off a shoe and throw it into the middle of the room and then invites the children to blindfold themselves and pick up a shoe, and they do. They sit down, and the schoolmistress asks the children whether they are happy. They say, “No; not particularly. We are not happy.” She asks, “Oh, why are you not happy?” and they say, “Because we have all ended up with each other’s shoes”. The schoolmistress says, “But I did things equally. I treated you all equally. You all had the opportunity to pick up a shoe, and you now have a shoe”.
The problem is, as with Ms Anderson’s analysis — [Interruption.]

Mr Speaker: Order.

Mr McDevitt: As with Ms Anderson’s analysis, that does not consider the fundamental issue, which is that you cannot decide equality until you understand need, and until you understand need, you do not get equality, and that is why good relations are so important.

Mr Speaker: Order. It is good practice that interventions should be short and to the point. [Laughter.] That is good practice not only in this House but elsewhere. The Member has a minute added to her time.

Ms M Anderson: I should have an extra two or three minutes. I appreciate that Conall McDevitt is a new MLA, and perhaps he does not understand section 75(1) and section 75(2) of the 1998 Act. The thinking and intention behind section 75(1) was that equality should always, absolutely always, take priority. Good relations — section 75(2) — will flow from that.
Equality is necessary; good relations are desirable. Equality is the primary duty, and I find it disappointing, but absolutely not surprising, that the SDLP do not seem to recognise that. What else would we expect from a party that opposed the MacBride principles? Perhaps the proposers of the motion, one of whom is the leader of the SDLP, are once again seeking to remove what their previous leader once referred to as the ugly scaffolding of the Good Friday Agreement — that same ugly scaffolding that exists to safeguard the rights and entitlements of nationalists.
Those protections were hard won. They were hard won — [Interruption.]

Mr Speaker: Order.

Ms M Anderson: They were hard won.

Mr Speaker: Order. Allow the Member to continue.

Ms M Anderson: They were hard won, and nationalists and republicans can take heart that Sinn Féin, and Sinn Féin representatives, have absolutely no intention of surrendering them.
I welcome the fact that the cohesion, sharing and integration strategy document has been published for consultation, a consultation that provides us all with an opportunity to strengthen the strategy. The cohesion, sharing and integration strategy is a cross-cutting policy, and, as such, it needs to be driven at the highest level of leadership. As an indication of intent, the cohesion, sharing and integration document proposes a panel led by our First Minister and deputy First Minister that will work with a reinvigorated racial equality forum and other stakeholder groups, communities, and communities of interest.

The consultation document should be critically appraised. That is to be welcomed. The junior Minister in the Chamber yesterday talked about how he attended meetings, and there definitely were such critical appraisals. I welcome the fact that for the first time the dialogue to facilitate the development of cohesion, sharing and integration in this society is, if the SDLP will read it at paragraph 1.6 of the consultation document, framed in the context of:
“equality and the enforcement of rights.”

However, Sinn Féin has been clear from the day that the draft cohesion, sharing and integration strategy document was published that it was not the final article, and we heard the First Minister make such a reference yesterday.

We all have an opportunity to shape the final strategy —

Mr Speaker: The Member should draw her remarks to a close.

Ms M Anderson: For all the reasons that I outlined, we will not be supporting the motion or the amendment.

Mr Speaker: The Member’s time is up.

Ms M Anderson: Go raibh míle maith agat.

Mr McKay: I oppose the motion and the amendment, as my party colleague outlined.
Fundamentally, equality cannot and should not be built on good relations. The CSI document highlights that equality is the foundation of good relations and that good relations can only be built on equality.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 places a duty on public authorities to treat people equally, regardless of race, age, marital status, religious belief, political opinion, or sexual orientation. By making the maintenance of good relations a duty equal to equality, many progressive policies to tackle inequality would be vetoed. That would be bad for good relations, or so some politicians in our community would argue.

Dr Farry: I am grateful to the Member for giving way and I promise not to mention shoes.
[Laughter.]

I ask the Member to consider that the problem that Sinn Féin articulates with regard to the relationship between equality and good relations is actually a misunderstanding of the concept of good relations, which has been used and abused by certain politicians. If we talk about good relations in a context of sharing, it implies respect for diversity, which does not threaten equality; whereas, if someone objects to something and employs a “good relations” argument against it, it represents a warping of the notion of a shared society and the idea of good relations.

Mr Speaker: The Member may have an extra minute to speak.

Mr McKay: I thank the Member for his intervention, but different parties have different interpretations of “good relations”.
For example, members of the LGBT community could apply to their local council for funding for a gay pride parade or a public event, and local councillors could employ the argument that funding or holding such an event in their community or in a particular area would be bad for good relations in that area. Councillors would be wrong to employ that argument, but some would. That could — would — happen, given the views of some political parties.

Dr Farry: That is exactly the point that I was trying to make; it is a clear example of a misunderstanding of the concept of good relations in a shared society; it is an abuse of the concept. That should not happen.

Mr McKay: Equality should be safeguarded at all times; it has to be the cornerstone of society and must be ahead of good relations. That is why in this case —

Mr B McCrea: Will the Member give way again?

Mr McKay: No. Two interventions are enough, Basil.

We will not support that; we will not support the undermining of equality safeguards in society, and we will not support the dilution of the equality legislation secured in the Good Friday Agreement. Equality is the bottom line as far as Sinn Féin is concerned. Sectarianism and intolerance are still rife in this society, and we must ensure that an effective strategy is in place, and that funding is used effectively to tackle those problems.

The concept of good relations taking priority over equality has led to the consolidation and ingraining of inequality in some cases and has been used by those opposed to the equality agenda to undermine hard-fought equality measures. Some of the aims and objectives outlined are to be welcomed, as the Member for East Belfast Chris Lyttle said earlier. Those include zero tolerance on crimes motivated by prejudice and all forms of hate crime; working to eliminate attacks on cultural, sports and other symbolic property and monuments, including GAA halls and Orange Halls in our community; maximising the impact of funding on the ground; and encouraging shared neighbourhoods and eliminating segregated services. That is worth working towards.

The CSI document could be better. One of the parties involved in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is progressive and the other is not. Sinn Féin not only wants to see the LGBT sector —

Mr A Maginness: Who is progressive and who is not?
span style="color:#33ffff;">
Mr McKay: It does not take a genius, Alban.

Mr Speaker: Order.

Mr McKay: Sinn Féin not only wants to see the LGBT sector fully involved in this process, but wants to see their concerns dealt with effectively.

Mr McDevitt: Why do you not include them in —

Mr Speaker: Order.

Mr McKay: The CSI strategy will not resolve sectarianism and the prejudicial attitudes that exist in this society. One hears a lot of comments from the SDLP about the document, and it is critical of what has been put together so far. However, that is only the first step in the process. It is worth remembering that the SDLP had ample opportunity to put together such a document when it was in the same office with the Ulster Unionist Party. It did not achieve anything. We got nothing from the SDLP. It is all very well for the party to come here and try to criticise us for what has been brought forward, but it has not been able to do any of that work itself. Shame on the SDLP for bringing the motion forward, and shame on the SDLP for trying to undermine the equality legislation that was secured after decades of hard work. It does not understand the impact of what it is putting forward —

Mr A Maginness: After decades of violence —

Mr Speaker: Order, order.

Mr McKay: The SDLP should go back to the —

Mr Speaker: Order. Allow the Member to finish.

Mr McKay: They should try to understand the impact of what they are proposing. Go raibh maith agat.

Equality legislation should not be undermined

2010-09-29T13:47:00.010+01:00

Section 75 Equality legislation formed a key part of the Good Friday Agreement in 2010.
It outlines in an extraordinary way a political architecture that “could lay the foundations for structural change towards a culture of equality”.

Yesterday we had a debate in the Assembly on the issue of equality and good relations. The SDLP believe quite clearly that Equality and Good Relations should be afforded the same status under this legislation. They should be treated the same. What could be wrong with that you say? The devil of course is in the detail. The NIO, hardly a supporter of positive social change in this society, also supported this position and when that is the case alarm bells should start ringing.

MacBRIDE

First let us go back to 1984 when Nobel Laureate and founding member of Amnesty International Seán MacBride proposed what became known as the “MacBride principles”. These are nine fair employment principles and are a corporate code of conduct for US companies doing business in the north. They have become the Congressional Standard for all US aid to, or for economic dealings with the north. The NIO at the time opposed them as did the SDLP. 14 years later, in 1998, they became the law of the US. It has many supporters, among them Bill Clinton, the Irish National Caucas, Rev Jesse Jackson and a number of New York mayors including Mayor Rudolph Giuliani:

1. Increasing the representation of individuals from under-represented religious groups in the workforce including managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical and technical jobs.
Adequate security for the protection of minority employees both at the workplace and while traveling to and from work.

2. The banning of provocative religious or political emblems at the workplace.

3. All job openings should be publicity advertised and special recruitment efforts should be made to attract applicants from under-represented religious groups.

4. Lay-off, recall, and termination procedures should not in practice favor particular religious groupings.

5. The abolition of job reservations, apprenticeship restrictions and differential employment criteria, which discriminate on the basis of religious or ethnic origin.

6. The development of training programs that will prepare substantial numbers of current minority employees for skilled jobs, including the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new programs to train, upgrade, and improve the skills of minority employees.

7. The establishment of procedures to assess, identify, and actively recruit minority employees with the potential for further advancement.

8. The appointment of a senior management staff member to oversee the company's affirmative action efforts and the setting up of timetables to carry out affirmative action principles.

The SDLP leadership – heavily influenced by NIO political intelligence officials – opposed MacBride, quietly at first but soon publicly. By contrast, the increasingly angry reaction of the British Government confirmed for Sinn Féin that the principles’ modest demands were, in fact, their real deadliness.In the South, opposition Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey backed the principles, whilst his opposite number, Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald presided over Irish diplomats overtly attacking MacBride alongside their British Embassy counterparts in Washington. The attitude of most Irish officials slowly began to thaw when Haughey became Taoiseach in February 1987.

The SDLP leadership’s approach was to criticise MacBride proponents as being ‘naïve on the economy’ and ‘ideologically driven’, with false scare-mongering that implementing MacBride would ‘damage progress’ by imposing stringent equality measures as the basis for economic development.

SECTION 75

The MacBride momentum set the scene for the development of the equality agenda that became central to the Irish Peace Process and Good Friday Agreement in 1998.Crucially, the Agreement moved the issues further than ever before by demanding not just enhanced anti-discrimination law but by creating a ground-breaking positive statutory duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity in the discharge of all functions. It was an absolutely key issue for Sinn Féin .

This became Section 75(1) of the NI Act 1998. It extended the pro-equality ambit beyond mere religious or political inequalities to include previously voiceless and marginalised sectors, including those of different sexual orientation and race. It has also been one of the key points of resistance by negative British and unionist elements in the Six Counties over the past decade – principally because it has such potential to be a key tool for change. A leading trade unionist and former member of the Equality Commission, Inez McCormack, (pictured below with Hilary Clinton and Meryl Streep) claimed that during the months after the signing of the Agreement, while a solicitor was drawing up the Section 75 Equality legislation, Senior Civil servants held 39 meetings to discuss ways to weaken the legislation and render it meaningless.

“They held these meetings to make sure certain words, like ‘due process’, were left out of section 75.

“They wanted the legislation to be rendered meaningless,” she said.

Ms McCormack said it was only after she had held an emergency meeting with then US president Bill Clinton, who agreed to lobby the British government over the issue, that the language of the agreement was translated into effective legislation designed to promote equality.

“These same civil servants have…attempted to unravel equality legislation, consistently reinforcing structural inequality when investing public money in infrastructure and development projects,”

In March 2005 the NIO came up with a central policy document entitled “A Shared Future – Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland”. Ms McCormack, a former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said that this document falsely concluded that economic and social inequality between nationalists and unionists was no longer an issue and that levels of social deprivation were an ongoing consequence of intolerance demonstrated by the two communities.

Speaking at a public meeting in Belfast in 2006 she said that "all the social indicators featured in recent government reports show that inequality between the two communities still remains and that gulf between rich and poor in the North was increasing yet, eight years after the Good Friday Agreement, senior civil servants and ministers are attempting to marginalise those attempting to bring about justice and change.”

The motion the SDLP brought to the floor yesterday argued that good relations and equality are two sides of the one coin. This is simply not the case. Good relations can only be built on equality. Equality cannot and should not be built on good relations.

During the debate yesterday we argued that putting Good Relations on a par with equality would lead to cases where equality would be undermined on the basis of good relations. If people objected to members of another religious background getting housing in their area because it would detrimentally affect good relations in that area then it would undermine the right of those housing applicants to be treated on the basis of equality. They would be treated differently because of their religious background. No-one from any other party addressed these points when they were raised during the debate quite simply because they can't.

Public bodies such as the Housing Executive should primarily treat people on the basis of objective need. Equality was legislated as a primary duty above Good Relations for a reason. The NIO who clearly did not want to see equality legislation introduced in 1998 want to see Good Relations supersede equality for a reason as well.

Section 75 Equality legislation that Sinn Féin fought hard for in 1998 is radical and unheard of in any other country. Although it hasn’t been implemented to its fullest potential it has made a fundamental difference to this society and put equality at the heart of local government. The position that the SDLP have assumed, of supporting the same position on equality and good relations as the NIO is fundamentally flawed and if implemented would undermine the rights of all Section 75 groups. The consequences of their position have clearly not been thought through and they seem doomed to follow in the footsteps of their political forefathers who opposed MacBride in the 1980s.

N.B. Below are a couple of interesting videos about Inez McCormack and her portrayal by Meryl Streep in the play 'Seven'.

PSNI response to questions on Rasharkin parade

2010-09-14T10:48:00.004+01:00

I recently put a number of questions to the PSNI through the Policing Board. These relate to the operation which was put in place for the Ballymaconnolly Parade in Rasharkin last month (August). There is a widespread belief in Rasharkin that the police made the decision to push the parade through the village after midnight because there was a threat of a "breach of the peace" coming from the thousands of loyalists allowed to gather towards the south end of the village. Answers provided by the PSNI through the Policing Board confirm this and the fact that the area commander took this decision "in that context".

One significant issue has come out of this parade but it is one that has been an issue for many years but the media and unfortunately the Parades Commission have not picked up on it sufficiently. By allowing such a large parade of 40 bands it inevitably leads to thousands of loyalists coming into the mainly nationalist village to "support" them. These loyalists, who vastly outnumber the police on the ground clearly represent a potential threat, a potential 'breach of the peace' and inevitably influenced the decision made by the police on the evening in question. They also intimidated residents in the mainly nationalist area to the south of the village where they gathered. It is quite clear that this situation, the behaviour of the parade participants and the fact that the PSNI have to respond to this threat by taking a decision about a parade route is unacceptable. Lessons need to be learned from this and there is a huge onus on the PSNI and Parades Commission to ensure that such a large gathering of bands and supporters is not allowed to come into a small nationalist village like Rasharkin again.

Question4 - Daithi McKay - Public & Written
In a statement released by the Ballymaconnolly Sons of Conquerors band, a spokesperson said that "the band therefore took the decision, with the support of the police on the ground, into simply reversing the parade route". The decision to reroute the parade in Rasharkin and put it through the village at 12 o'clock at night has severely damaged community - police relations in the village.

RESPONSE
You will recall that ACC Finlay provided a brief oral answer at the meeting of
the Northern Ireland Policing Board on 2 September 2010. Both he and the
Chief Constable noted that you have been involved in ongoing conversations
with the ACC and District Commander about the parade. We are all agreed
that those are the most productive means of engagement on this matter.
In answer to your specific sub questions, please find our response below:

(a) What threat there was of a breach of the peace from the participants of the parade?

The Commander of the policing operation considered all information
available to him on the night, including the observations of
community/political representatives, residents, participants and police
officers on the ground.

On the basis of that information the Commander considered that a
breach of the peace was a strong possibility. Decisions were made in
that context.

(b) What missiles were thrown at police by participants of the parade?

I am advised that two bottles were thrown at the police line at the
Telephone Exchange. I am further advised that these were not thrown
by parade participants as the parade was not underway at the time, but
rather that they came from a gathered crowd.

(c) How many phone calls and complaints the PSNI received in regard to the parade and how much did the police operation cost?

I am advised that on the evening of the parade police received a
number of verbal complaints from members of the Residents
Association regarding persons in the areas of Glebe Park, Glebe Court
and Church Road urinating in public. Members of the Residents
Association on several occasions expressed their concerns regarding
the parade taking place later than scheduled and using the "reverse"
route.

There were 6 telephone complaints reference noise, persons urinating,
damage to a car and a bandsman being hit by an object. One
resident emailed police regarding persons urinating in the Belmont
Park area and giving verbal abuse.

The cost for the policing of the Ballymaconnolly parade on 20th August
2010 was £58,942.

(d) If the PSNI will relay fully the difficulties they had in policing participants of the parade to the Parades Commission?

The PSNI will provide a full debrief to the Parades Commission.

(e) What consideration was there of the impact the decision to allow a parade to take place at 12 o'clock at night would have on the local community?

Recognising the time of day, this matter was fully considered by the
Police Commander, who made a decision based upon all available
information.
I am advised that all police actions were taken after legal advice had
been sought. The legal powers relied on included section 10 of the
Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

(f) Why did the PSNI not contact the Parades Commission who have a clear remit in regard to deciding the parade route, especially with the prospect of the parade going on until after midnight?

Once the Parades Commission issue a final determination in relation to
a parade, it becomes an operational matter for the Police.
legislation makes this very clear.

Fresh Inquest into Gerard Casey's death ordered by new Attorney General

2010-07-30T16:53:00.003+01:00

The devolution of policing and justice powers will create a new dynamic within politics, new challenges and I believe positive change as a result of local accountability.

The new Attorney General was appointed by the First and deputy First Miniater earlier this year, a direct result of these powers being devolved. He has seen it fit to direct a fresh inquest into the death of Gerard Casey who was shot at Shamrock Park outside Rasharkin on 4th April 1989. He did so because a great deal of material was not made available to the Coroner who conducted the original inquest.

It is widely believed here in Rasharkin that the RUC withheld this material, which was significant, because there was collusion between the RUC and loyalists in this case.

Directly prior to the shooting Gerard was taken to Castlereagh Holding Centre and was threatened with his life. A legally held shotgun he owned was removed and the police took a sketch map of the interior of his home.

Solicitors have never been able to access documentation held in relation to Gerard’s arrest and the search of his home. Despite attempts that were made by the Casey family’s solicitor police officers who were at checkpoints in the area at the time of the shooting were never summoned to the initial inquiry. If these checkpoints had been where they ought to have been Gerard’s killers would have had to pass these checkpoints.

The Coroner at the initial inquest was denied over 50 documents or categories of documents which were of such importance as to have significantly impacted upon the conduct of the Inquest.

There remain many unanswered questions pertaining to the killing of Gerard Casey on 4th April 1989 and the withholding of significant state files points clearly to RUC involvement and cover up. Gerard’s family and the local community here in Rasharkin are entitled to know the truth about his death and who was responsible. Such a disclosure, I believe, will reinforce Sinn Féin’s view that there was significant state involvement in loyalist killings in North Antrim and South Derry in the late 1980s /early 1990s.

A fresh inquest, as now directed by the Attorney General John Larkin, will hopefully shine a light on the state agents involved and those who were ultimately responsible for Gerard’s death.

IFA political campaign against northerners playing for the FAI soccer team must stop

2010-07-30T16:26:00.002+01:00

Press Release I have just sent out concerning the IFA's efforts to stop northern soccer players from playing for the FAI international team:

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling against the IFA’s bid to prevent players born in the north playing for the FAI soccer team. Mr McKay said that the IFA should halt the campaign against northern footballers opting for the FAI team and that they are “alienating themselves further from the nationalist/republican community.”

Mr McKay said:

“The IFA has absolutely no right to try and undermine the Good Friday Agreement or the right of players from the north to play for the FAI team. This IFA campaign has caused a lot of consternation within the nationalist community who expect sporting organisations not to get involved in political arguments which undermine the Good Friday Agreement.

“People born in the north are Irish citizens as of right, they are entitled to an Irish passport and to play for the FAI international soccer team which many would have grown up supporting. Those born in the north have a right to choose whether they play for either the FAI or IFA Irish soccer teams without any interference.

“The IFA should now leave this situation alone lest they want to alienate themselves further from the nationalist/republican community. The only lasting solution to the issue as far as I am concerned is the development of an all-island team which with a shared pool of talent will help ensure that we qualify and progress at World Cups and European Championships.”

Incitement to hatred?

2010-07-09T16:37:00.003+01:00

Pledge to bring Plastic Bag Bill to Assembly in September

2010-06-29T17:46:00.003+01:00

I've just put out a press release concerning a recent event I sponsored in the Assembly Long Gallery. I've reprinted it below:

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that sustainable development needs to prioritised by local government as well as at home. Mr McKay was speaking at an “As Sustainably As Possible” event held by the Baglady which he sponsored at the Assembly. Also speaking at the event where pupils from schools across the north including a group from Buick Memorial School in Cullybackey.

Mr McKay said

“If everyone made a conscious choice to live more sustainably not only would it help the environment it would also help people to save money and live a healthier lifestyle.

“Many of the children at today’s event put forward some fantastic ideas and in line with this initiative they all made a pledge to give up one thing and take up one thing. Some are giving up using plastic bags, dropping litter, going to school by car and they are taking up active transport, more recycling and using a ‘bag for life’.

“Its very encouraging that local schools like Buick Memorial have been awarded an “Eco-flag” and there is no doubt that pupils from this and other schools are setting a great example to others in the community and especially within their own homes.

“As part of my own pledge I have committed to reducing our office paper trail by taking correspondence by e-mail where possible and pushing ahead with a Bill to introduce a Plastic bag levy over the next few months. The Plastic bag Bill will be introduced on the Assembly floor in September and it is my intention that this will address our over-dependency on plastic bags. 30 plus years ago plastic bags were not relied on and it is important that we now take measures to change this consumer behaviour.“

Cara's year in office comes to an end

2010-06-15T11:13:00.002+01:00

Cllr Cara McShane, Chairperson of Moyle Council, finishes her year in office next week. I'd like to thank Cara for providing this blog with a copy of her diary entries for each week she was in office. Shes carried out a substantial amount of work on behalf of both the party and the local Council and has made a very positive contribution to the local community there.

Week 35

I have been sitting here for the past thirty minutes giving myself a sore head trying to find inspiration to help write this week’s column. As it is my penultimate column, I feel pressured to write something inciteful, inspiring or at the very least interesting. (That would be a change I hear some of you say!).

Last week marked Volunteer Week, and to recognise and acknowledge the work of the many volunteers throughout our District, the Causeway Volunteer Service held an event in the Mayor’s Parlour. There are hundreds of volunteers who dedicate themselves in Moyle to driving forward communities and improving peoples life chances. It is important that we recognise the work of volunteers in our District, which include services in our community in terms of elderly care provision; counselling services; childcare and youth services; services for people with disabilities and charity work. The list is endless. Moyle is proud of its volunteers and the essential work and commitment that they show without complaint. Volunteers are invaluable to the fabric of our society and provide an inspiration to us all.

On Thursday evening I was delighted to host a large group of French visitors to Ballycastle for a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour. The group were staying in several houses owned by Pearse McHenry’s ‘Ballycastle Holiday Homes.’ There was nothing but praise and appreciation from the group for the accommodation, hospitality and welcome they received throughout their week-long stay in the area, and they have vowed to spread the word about our area and come back to visit sometime again.

On Friday morning, I joined with pupils from Bunscoil an Chaistil, Council staff and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust for a beach clean in Ballycastle. Clean beaches and attractive villages and towns encourage visitors to our area. This was one of a series of beach cleans linking in with local schools. We were very encouraged by the apparent lack of litter on Ballycastle beach and this can be attributed to our local users and visitors alike. It is important however as a community that we continue to be wary of the dangers to young children especially, of leaving litter such as bottles and cans around our beaches and public areas.

In the afternoon I enjoyed a relaxing yet very productive visit to Rathlin Island. It was great to catch up with the local Community Association and to discuss ongoing projects which have been initiated by the Council including a harbour improvement scheme which will be partly funded by Council and the Tourist Board, as well as an application to the Rural Development programme for marketing the island and environmental projects. On top of this is great to see familiar faces that I have gotten to know so well over the past year as being Chair of the Council.

As I mentioned earlier, next week will see my last diary piece for the Chronicle. (Just in time to enjoy the World Cup!). If the truth be known, this thought brings me mixed emotions. With my term as Chair of Moyle Council nearing an end, I know I will have free time again and experience less pressure, but I also know that I will miss the privilege that comes with the position (the chauffeur driven jaguar, the foreign trips, meetings with heads of states, the weekend retreat house in the country etc!). What I really mean by that is the privilege of meeting and sharing occasions with so many kind, generous and good-natured people and organizations that exist within the district of Moyle. I have had so many pleasurable experiences and encounters this past year as detailed weekly in my diary and they will all remain within my memory. Anyway my headache has subsided and been replaced with a lump in my throat so I am finished this abruptly and reaching for the Kleenex. Next week will be a real tear jerker!

Week 36

And so here I am, one year on and my time as Chairperson of Moyle District Council is at an end. I have just finished chairing my final meeting of Council last night. The AGM to nominate the next Chair will take place on Monday 21st June.

Unfortunately I was unable to use my influence and power to bring about world peace or indeed save the environment. I hope though that I was able to represent the Council, and thus the ratepayers, in a positive, fair and refreshing manner. I hope you found that I discharged my duties diligently, cordially and professionally. I can only say that I did my best. As I said last week it has been a privilege. I have met many wonderful people throughout the past year. I couldn’t help but think about that again this week, especially with all the fuss and furore surrounding the visit of two English day-trippers (Edward and Sophie – I think their surname is Windsor although I can not be certain. I am an Irish republican remember!). I suppose I would not be telling the complete truth if I said that I don’t enjoy meeting people including those who have achieved success in their own particular field. I have been lucky to have met a few of the latter in my role as a Councillor and in my job with Sinn Féin. What I admire about these people though, regardless of whether they are politicians, sports stars, musicians, television personalities etc, is their ability, talent, dedication and hard work. They did not achieve their successes because of a family they were born into, but because they earned it. None of them expected me to bow before them either! That said, I have enjoyed much more meeting all of the ‘ordinary’ people, those who work tirelessly to improve life for others and who do not receive the plaudits or the press coverage. Anyway, getting back to the subject at hand, I did not meet with Sophie and Edward. I chose instead to attend the official launch of the Ballycastle town gateway signs by a local government Minister. This was a project which taken a huge amount of effort, dedication and time by voluntary community activists through the Ballycastle Town Partnership.

It would be unfair and impossible to mention and thank all of those individuals who have helped and supported me throughout this year. However, I want to thank the Chief Executive and all the Council staff who kept me right on so many occasions. I want to thank all the individuals and groups who invited me to be a part of their event (I am going to have to get my own social life from now on!). Also, to everyone who supported the various charity endeavours throughout the past 12 months. I want to thank the Chronicle for allowing me the opportunity to relay to the public some of the tremendous work and activities taking place within Moyle on a weekly basis (also I want to thank the Chronicle for allowing me to miss the deadline on more than the odd occasion!).

Finally I want to wish the incoming Chairperson the very best of luck and best wishes for their term in representing Moyle. It has been a pleasure and an honour.

In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny . . . . .THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

Scotland legislating to tackle Alcohol problem

2010-06-13T17:05:00.003+01:00

The Scottish Government are currently looking at measures they could introduce to tackle the country's alcohol problems. MSPs have just voted for the principles of the Alcohol Bill which has been brought forward by Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Bill's key proposals include:

A minimum price per unit of alcohol to raise the cost of the cheapest ciders, lagers and low-grade spirits favoured by problem drinkers
A ban on irresponsible off-sales promotions which encourage excessive drinking
A duty on licensing boards to consider raising the off-sales purchase age to 21 where appropriate to develop local solutions to local problems
A power to introduce a 'social responsibility fee' on some retailers to offset the costs of dealing with drink problem

Opposition parties have difficulties with the proposal to set a minimum price per unit and this may be removed from the legislation at a later stage of the Bill. There are certainly some interesting proposals contained within the legislation and I've tabled a question to the Health Minister here asking if there are any plans to bring forward comparable legislation to the Assembly at any time in the future.

Moyle Council Diary

2010-05-31T18:23:00.000+01:00

Below is the latest diary entries from Moyle Chairperson Cara McShane:

Week 32

Those of you who are sick and tired of hearing analysis of the recent election please skip three paragraphs!

Like hundreds of others (particularly members of Sinn Féin) last Thursday was an 18 hour operation. Firstly I was in the polling station from 7am for a few hours, followed by countless phone calls and then door knockings to ensure that people are out to vote. This year, just to satisfy the impatient among us like myself, it was then onto Ballymena for the election at 10pm to do ‘the tallies’ and hear the result. North Antrim now has a new MP, and well done to all the parties particularly my own who continue to grow in this constituency and across the North, and are now established as the largest party in the six counties.

As an Irish Republican woman I don’t feel any embarrassment when saying that the result in Fermanagh/South Tyrone brought a few tears to my eyes. It was the icing on the cake and in my obviously biased opinion well deserved by Michelle Gildernew and all those who helped and supported her. This election proved that every vote counts and that every vote can make the difference. It is important that everyone exercises their democratic right to vote. Much has been said and written of the election there 29 years ago of Bobby Sands and I can’t help but agree that his spirit and legacy continues to drive republicans forward to produce the kind of Ireland he gave his life for.

With all the toing and froing going on now as the British parties try and sort out who actually won the election I can’t help but feel how important it is that the North continues to remove power from Britain and brings it to this island. 18 out of over 600 MP’s aren’t exactly going to wield much influence. All the talk prior to the election from the Unionist parties about being in a British Government or about negotiating on behalf of the North sounds very hollow now!

With the elections clearly taking over my life last week, I did not get much time for Council duties! However, I was privileged to be invited to the unveiling of the Robert Dunlop memorial garden in Ballymoney at the weekend. This week marks Robert’s second anniversary when he died in a crash during the practice race in the North West 200. The garden of remembrance marks a place of reflection and honour to Robert’s lifetime achievements, and it symbolises the esteem in which he was held in within the North Antrim community and throughout the road-racing world.

On Saturday afternoon I attended the Annual General Meeting of the North’s Trefoil Guild. The organisation is made up of women and men who were mostly involved with scouts or guides. Ballycastle was the host town for the AGM on Saturday for the organisation’s centenary year celebrations.

A week on since his burial I should just mention that my travelling to Belfast now in the morning hasn’t been the same without the option of switching the radio to hear some of the debate and chat on the Gerry Ryan show. I didn’t agree with his positions on many issues but there is no doubt that the man was thought provoking and for many people they have lost a well-known personality and friend.

Week 33

With nearly a year gone as chair I still haven’t mastered the art of discipline when it comes to writing this diary. It’s now 9.45 am on Tuesday and the deadline is 9.45am on a Tuesday!! The good thing though is that the sun is shinning outside, and having been here in Stormont since 8 30am, had a nice breakfast in the canteen, I’m now beginning to feel awake and ready for the rest of the challenges that lie ahead today.

Last Thursday, I spoke at the launch of the Images of Ireland and Art of the Troubles exhibitions in the Braid Centre in Ballymena. The Mid Antrim Museum Service and Causeway Museum Service worked in partnership on the delivery of this arts and cultural programme across the north east cluster of six local Councils along with Council Officers. The exhibitions, which are funded by the Cultural Fusions PEACE III programme, explores cultural identity and informs the search for national identity in Ireland in the mid 18th century against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The exhibition has provided local museums with an opportunity to collaborate various collections, while enabling the wider public to examine the diversity of cultural identity locally, past and present. The Images of Ireland exhibition is scheduled to be displayed in Ballycastle in September of this year.

Rathlin Island enjoyed a unique occasion this weekend as the islanders hosted the Federation of Irish islands Annual General Meeting, for the first time. The event gave an opportunity for islanders from throughout Ireland to interact and discuss areas of mutual interest including the upcoming sustainable energy projects being taken forward from respective Councils for Rathlin and the Aaran Islands. This was a fantastic occasion and thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees who were given a huge Céad Míle Failte to North Antrim, by the Rathlin community.

On Saturday evening I attended a ‘Women in Struggle’ event in Strabane, organised by Ógra Shinn Féin (Sinn Féin Youth). The event marked the role and contribution of women in Ireland’s struggle and looked back over the history of our often very turbulent past.

Several weeks ago, you will recall a young Armagh student Natasha McShane was brutally mugged in Chicago and left in a coma for a long period. A fundraising committee has been set up in America and Ireland to help pay for health bills and to support her family to travel and be with her in hospital. With my connections in Chicago I have been asked to do my bit to make a contribution. To that end collection boxes have been placed in several pubs around the District and a quiz night has been organised for next Friday (28th May) @ 8.30pm in the Carrick a Rede pub in Ballintoy. Admission is £2.50 per person, with light supper provided, followed by music. Everyone is welcome.

When I was out and about over the weekend, I bumped into Mairead and Paul McVeigh who celebrate 21 years of marriage this week! Congratulations to you both.

And Finally, although we have many Tyrone ‘exiles’ living in our area, I can not help but send my best wishes to Antrim footballers as they take on Tyrone this weekend in the Ulster Football Championship.

WEEK 34

The week began with a committee meeting of the newly formed Ballintoy Local Historical and Archaeological group. On the last Thursday of each month, local people come together to listen to a local historian give a talk followed by an open-floor discussion on a chosen local interest theme. This Thursday the group will meet at Ballintoy Rectory at 7.30pm for an exploration walk around Mount Druid and surrounding areas. The group encourages everyone to come along for a relaxing and informative evening out.

Recently I attended the first of a number of events celebrating 100 years of Hostelling International at Mill Rest Hostel in Bushmills. (I obviously have to declare an interest!). Youth hostelling has become a popular and economically viable means of travelling the world since the youth hostel movement was founded by a German teacher, Richard Schirrmann in 1910. Richard Schirrmann was a believer in learning by direct observation and often took his classes on excursions and hiking trips. The hiking trips could last several days, and Schirrmann and his pupils would find accommodation in farm buildings. Much has changed since 1910 and while hostelling continues to provide affordable accommodation for young people on their travels, the facilities accommodate groups, families and the lone back-backer, with conference rooms and the offering of a wide range of outdoor activities.

On Saturday evening I was delighted to address Moyle Youth Council and present awards at the group’s second annual Youth Council Oscars night in the Marine Hotel. Awards were presented to young people throughout the District on a range of achievements including Personal Achievement, Sporting Achievement, Contribution to Community, Commitment to their Club, Voluntary work, Leadership and Attendance. Moyle Youth Council is made up of 15-25 year olds from a cross-community background covering the whole of Moyle. The group meets on a regular basis at their drop-in centre at the ‘Quench’ bar on Ballycastle seafront. The main aim of the Youth Council is to voice the opinions of young people in the area as well as working along with other groups in the District, organising trips away and taking part in various fundraising and volunteering work.

Anyone wishing to join the Youth Council, please contact Youth Co-Ordinator Tracy Walker 07719695370.

It’ great to be able to get the suncream out! Life seems much easier when the sun is shining and the barbeques are out. Let’s hope the good weather continues long into the summer months and with plenty to do in Moyle check out what is happening over the next few months or to add your own event please visit

www.moyle-council.org/events or contact the Council offices directly on 028 207 62225.

One of many reasons why SF don't sit in a London Parliament

2010-05-31T14:58:00.002+01:00

The video below shows Margaret Ritchie swearing an oath of allegiance to the British Queen. Ms Ritchie, rather than any form of committee within the SDLP, has suspended Declan O'Loan from the Assembly grouping and he will only be allowed back into the assembly party when she says so. A few commentators have noted that theres "just a little bit of Thatcher about her".

Former British Army houses in Ballymena to be gifted to Executive

2010-05-27T13:22:00.001+01:00

A bit of good news this morning, below is a statement I have just issued:

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the confirmation that former British military houses in Ballymena are to be gifted to the Executive. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister confirmed the development in response to an Assembly question from Mr McKay.

Mr McKay said

"It was agreed at the recent Hillsborough talks that St Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena would be one of the former military sites which would be gifted to the Executive.

"I would like very much to welcome the fact that the gifting of this site will include the former British military houses. Sinn Féin made the securing of former British Army sites a top priority in negotiations and this in now bearing fruition. This site in particular holds numerous opportunities which could benefit Ballymena socially and economically and is a matter that I have been lobbying on for a number of years now.

"Officials from OFMdFM are in early discussions with the British MOD about the site and such news at this early stage is indeed welcoming.

"Ballymena and indeed North Antrim needs good quality social housing and additional social housing at this site will help relieve that housing need. However we should not ignore the fact that the outgoing Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has failed to deliver housing for this area.

"A measly 18 social houses have been built in the whole of North Antrim in the past 2 years. Thats the least amount of new build social houses in all 18 constituencies. Compare this with Lagan Valley who had 312 new social houses built in the same period, 217 in Fermanagh & South Tyrone, 179 in Newry/Armagh, 149 in Strangford, 177 in Upper Bann and 123 in North Down. The evidence shows conclusively that North Antrim is being left at the bottom of the pile when it comes to social housing and that the SDLP have presided over this disgraceful situation." ENDS

Mr Daithí McKay asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister if housing at the St Patrick's barracks site in Ballymena will be given to the Executive; and to provide an update on this matter, including a likely time-scale for the handover.

Under the Hillsborough Castle Agreement, St Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena is one of the former military sites that are to be gifted to the Executive. We can confirm our understanding that the gifting of the site will include the former military houses. Officials are in the early stages of discussion with the Ministry of Defence about the transfer of the site. Under the Agreement, it would be expected that disposal proceeds would be used to meet exceptional resource pressures.

O'Loan comments demonstrate the internal disarray within the SDLP

2010-05-24T19:36:00.002+01:00

The comments from SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan in respect of a single nationalist party and his resulting 'gagging' by the party leadership demonstrate that the SDLP are in disarray. During the recent election Margaret Ritchie refused to even talk to Sinn Féin about co-operation and labelled it as 'sectarian politics'. Now that Declan O'Loan is seeking a single nationalist party he is clearly undermining his party leader and exposing the disunity within the SDLP.

However Mr O'Loan's statement is telling in that he wants to restrict this nationalist party to the six counties exposing a very partitionist mindset within which his entire party remained trapped. Ireland doesn't stop at Derry or Dundalk and neither should any nationalist party. Sinn Féin are the only all-Ireland party that work in North Antrim and have a vision of a united Ireland that goes far beyond the partitionist vision set out by Mr O'Loan.

This seems to be a statement borne out of panic and it comes just weeks after an election result in which Sinn Féin increased its share of the nationalist vote in North Antrim. That result if replicated in the Assembly election, which is less than a year away, points towards the SDLP losing its seat in this constituency. Cynics among us might argue that has more to do with Declan O'Loan's controversial statement than any desire to obtain Irish reunification. The fact that he so readily accepted a dressing down at the hands of his party on the basis of his statement and moved under direction to retract merely reinforces this argument.

The craic with Cara

2010-05-04T16:42:00.003+01:00

Below are the latest diary entries from Moyle Chairperson Cara McShane. I haven't been blogging for a while personally as we've a lot of streets, lanes and hills to scour for votes in North Antrim. Its proving to be a fascinating contest for obvious reasons and theres nothing more enjoyable personally than getting on the doorsteps for a bit of banter and a bit of work.

Week 29

With the General Election just around the corner, my social life has been put in the back burner (to an extent). The date has been set for Thursday 6th May and already my soles are wearing thin. All that said however, it is important that everyone exercises their vote. Tony McCoy had long odds and won the National, Daithí McKay has similar odds – we still believe!! All politics is local and while Westminster elections bear no relevance for me, the new boundaries mark out significant changes to North and East Antrim, with Cushendun, Cushendall and Waterfoot now incorporated into East Antrim.

On Friday morning I was delighted to be over on Rathlin Island to officially open the new play-park in the harbour area. Council had taken a decision to set aside the necessary money to update the play-park equipment last year following requests from parents on the island. The play area is already well used by the young people on the island as well as the many visitors to Rathlin. On Friday 23rd April, Glentaisie play-park in Ballycastle will be officially opened at 3.30pm and everyone is welcome to come along.

In the afternoon, I held a reception for Council’s Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre staff. The staff at the Giant’s Causeway will transfer to the National Trust this week under the new lease agreement for the Visitor Centre. The ten employees have been instrumental in putting the Giant Causeway visitor experience on the map by winning awards year on year. I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the entire Council, to wish the staff every success in their new term of employment at the Causeway.

Last night Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, MEP Bairbre de Brún and North and East Antrim candidates Daithí McKay and Oliver McMullan, held a republican family meeting in Loughgiel. This was one of a series of engagements that take place annually throughout the island. The event gives an opportunity for the public to question the Party’s policy and delivery of manifesto commitments. The meeting was well attended and enjoyed its lighter moments with all shades of opinion in attendance. Regardless of our different political views, it is important to talk and engage with each other.

Preparation for the RISE May Ball is well underway! Tickets are still available for the 1st May event from PC Electrics, McCaughan’s Chemist, McLister’s Grocery and Moyle District Council. This is certain to be a great evening in your social calendar as well as helping to raise money for a very worthy cause.

Week 30

I have just come back from chairing the monthly Council meeting in Sheskburn, which began with a discussion around Tescos planning application for a retail outlet in Ballycastle. The discussion among Councillors and members of the public was very informative and it was great to see so many people from the local community coming out to voice their opinion on the issue. The issue remains a Planning Service decision and we await now the outcome of their consultation.

Recently I attended the launch of Ireland’s first ever Cross Border Road Racing Championship event. The launch, which took place in the Assembly, will see clubs from Kells in County Meath and local club Armoy, taking part in two rounds of road racing in Kells and Armoy on the weekends of 17th/18th July and 6th/7th August respectively. As part of the weekends’ activities, fixtures have been arranged between their respective clubs in other sporting fields such as GAA and rugby, as well as exchange visits between the schools, which will all compliment the fabulous weekends’ entertainment.

Well whether you are planning on Morris dancing around the Maypole or possibly lighting bonfires to mark the coming of summer and banishing the long nights of winter, there is certainly a lot going on in Ballycastle this weekend. During the week I attended a Press Launch on board the Rathlin Express to raise awareness of the RISE Foundation (Recovery in a Safe Environment) and support for the May Day Gala Ball to be held this Saturday evening in the Marine Hotel. The event which has been organized along with the Chamber of Commerce has received massive support from local people and the business community. Thanks especially to Mary and Ciarán O’Driscoll from Rathlin Ferry Limited for hosting the Press Launch. Prior to the RISE Ball, this Thursday there will be an Addiction awareness seminar for Cross and Passion College and Ballycastle High School pupils, with renowned singer, Frances Black, as Guest Speaker.

Also this weekend, a huge Festival has been organised by Féile an Chaistil to celebrate 10 years of Irish language medium education within the District. On Saturday (1st May), a childrens sports morning has been organised with a range of various activities taking place at the Quay Road Sports Complex from 10am until 1pm. Sunday (2nd May) is Family Fun Day! There will be entertainment for everyone with a féis, ceili, stalls, games and all sorts of entertainment from 2pm-6pm in Gaelscoil an Chaistil. You do not have to speak Irish to come along and have some fun, so why not opt to spend this May Day Bank Holiday weekend a little closer to home. Everyone is welcome!

The second phase of Moyle Council’s public speaking event took place earlier this week and this time it was the turn of the secondary schools. Well done to all the Year 8 and Year 9 pupils who participated and congratulations to the winner, Lucy Wilmont, from Ballycastle High School. I was extremely impressed by the substantial knowledge from all the pupils, who had clearly done much research into the chosen topic ‘Back to the Future – Learning from the Past to Reduce Waste.’ The Regional Final will take place this Thursday in Magherafelt and I would like to send my best wishes to both Fionola Ní Fhearsíthe, who will represent Moyle in the Primary School category and to Lucy for the secondary school sector.

Week 31

What a week!! I forget who first coined the phrase “Treat praise and criticism both as imposters” but never has that been more appropriate to me than the week I’v just had. Despite a very difficult week for me personally and for my family, at times I had to paint on a smile, put one foot in front of another and ensure that the ‘ Show must go on’.
On Wednesday evening, Moyle Council’s Good Relations department partnered with WAVE Trauma Centre screened the film ‘Unheard Voices’ at the Corrymeela Centre. The event was part of Good Relations Week which runs from 26th April to 2nd May. The film depicted a collection of six powerful short stories of those who have lost someone or who have been injured permanently as a result of the Conflict in Ireland. These films presented poignant reflections on a range of experiences, as survivors and relatives engage with the themes of loss, recovery, justice and remembering. The significant and lasting thought for me coming out of that room, is that there is no hierarchy of victims, and despite the militant activities of a small number of people in this part of Ireland, it is important that all of us continue to build on the peace process in the North to ensure no more Victims are made.

On Thursday afternoon I attended a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Awareness seminar in Cross and Passion College. The event was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and myself, and included speakers who are going through recovery from addiction. Pupils from Cross and Passion and Ballycastle High School listened to individual stories from people about the impact of the illness of alcohol and drug addictions, on the individuals and their families.

It was all go on Saturday as final preparations were made for the May Day Gala Ball for the RISE Foundation. Irish singer and songwriter, Frances Black who founded the Charity gave a moving and emotional account of her own experiences of recovering from alcohol and prescription drug addiction. Recovery In a Safe Environment provides respite and awareness to families of loved ones who suffer addiction and the Charity is at the early stages of building a purpose built Centre on Rathlin Island. Over 300 people attended the fund-raising event in the Marine Hotel with people from the community, voluntary and business sector. Many sports and political representatives from the area also attended. I had always intended in my year as Chairperson of Moyle, to try and use this position to organise an event that would benefit a local charity or organisation. After meeting Frances earlier in the year about another issue and seeing her passion for this project, it became clear that the RISE Foundation would be the beneficiary. Saturday night was a culmination of weeks and months of hard work between myself and Paul Cochrane, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Paul and his wife Katie were instrumental in ensuring the success of the fundraising event. I would like to use this opportunity to thank both Katie and Paul, and the entire Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce and businesses in Ballintoy, who donated so generously for the May Ball. I hope that this initiative could be continued by future Chairpersons of Moyle District Council for other worthwhile causes in the District.
On Sunday afternoon, despite being a little exhausted from the night before, I went along to the 10th anniversary féile celebrations at Bunscoil an Chaistil. This was a great pick-me-up to see the results of young children being taught through their native language.

On Sunday evening I was able to catch an hour of Ballycastle camogie club’s ‘ Stars in their Eyes’ event. The Marine was packed with over 500 people in attendance. My apologies to those contestants I didn’t see, but from what I did see and hear about since, the standard was very high and a great night was had by all who were there. Congratulations to ‘Jedward (featuring Vanilla Ice) also known as Kevin Mc Garry, Martin Jameson and Owen Turner who snatched first place. This was extremely entertaining and well deserved!

In between all these activities I was of course out on the doors canvassing for this week’s election on Thursday 6th May (I have the blisters to prove it). Elections are a mad and exhausting time for everyone involved in party politics and I would like to wish all the candidates well – You know I mean it!!!
Roll on Friday . . . .

Plastic Bag Levy Bill - Public Consultation

2010-04-20T14:35:00.002+01:00

162 Bóthar na dTullachain
Dún Lathaí
Baile Meanach
Co. Aontroma
BT44 9AF

Tel: (028) 276 57198
Email : daithimckay@btinternet.com

19th April 2010

A Chara

I am writing in reference to a Private Member’s Bill that I plan to bring to the floor of the Assembly relating to the introduction of a levy on plastic bags.

The primary purpose of this consultation is to seek views and opinions, from those with an interest in the subject area, on the detail of the proposal in order to assist with the development of the policy and the drafting of the Bill.

The Bill would aim to reduce the number of plastic bags in circulation, to encourage members of the public to reuse them wherever possible and to recycle them after use.

The policy intention behind the Bill is not to eradicate plastic bags or to promote any particular alternatives, for example paper bags, although it is accepted that alternatives may be sought. Under this proposal plastic bags will still be available for those customers who wish to pay the levy for them.

Plastic bags are designed as a single use product, and are given away freely in large
numbers. Many goods are already packaged and plastic bags are simply ‘add on’ packaging that has no essential purpose. Discarded plastic bags have a high visual and ecological impact on the environment.

The introduction of a levy will further help to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage people to reduce their use of plastic bags or to use reusable bags. It is anticipated that consumers will consider if they actually need extra packaging for their goods before automatically taking a plastic bag. The introduction of the levy, which will be collected by retailers at the point of sale and will contribute to a central fund which will in turn finance environmental projects, will go some way towards addressing some of the environmental issues that arise from plastic bag use. The money raised might for example be used in running local environmental initiatives such as litter clean ups and recycling campaigns.

The levy will provide environmental benefits on two fronts. The first is that by choosing not to take a plastic bag you will be contributing to the reduction of plastic bags in the environment.

Secondly, if you do choose to take one, the 15p you pay for each bag will contribute towards environmental improvements. The levy directly leads to an environmental benefit. Customers will either be reducing environmental impact when they choose not to use a bag or will contribute financially to the environment if they do.

The Bill would have 3 key objectives, these are:

· protecting the environment both by the reduction in the number of plastic bags and
by investing the money raised by the levy in local environmental projects;
· To assist with waste reduction by encouraging the reduction of plastic bags in circulation and the reuse of those that are; and
· raising awareness of environmental issues such as recycling and litter.
Consultation is due to close on Friday 14th May 2010. I would very much welcome any thoughts or comments that you have on the draft proposal. I have also placed a copy of this consultation document on my political blog, http://www.daithimckay.blogspot.com/

Completed Responses should be sent on or before Friday 14th May to:

Daithí McKay MLA
Sinn Féin
162 Bóthar na dTullachain
Dún Lathaí
Baile Meanach
Co. Aontroma
BT44 9AF

Email : daithimckay@btinternet.com

Is Mise

Daithí McKay MLA

Plastic Bag Levy Bill Consultation (Private Members Bill)

Name
_________________________________

Address
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Organisation (if applicable)

________________________________

Placing a levy

1. The Bill would place a levy on single use plastic carrier bags. This means that there will be a charge placed on those who purchase single use plastic carrier bags from retailers.

1a. Do you agree or disagree with this? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

1b. Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cost of the levy

2. The Bill would set the cost of the levy at 15 pence initially. It is proposed that this should then be regularly reviewed and re-set as required depending on the public response to the levy, ie If it is deterring members of the public from purchasing plastic bags. There will be some exemptions, e.g. Small plastic bags used to place meat in.

2a. Do you agree or disagree with this? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

2b. Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Central Environment Fund

3. It is proposed that a new Central Environment Fund is created by the Department of the Environment to manage the proceeds accruing to the fund and to decide how the fund should be allocated. It is proposed that funds will only be used for Zero Waste Initiatives. Distribution should be guided by an audit of Zero Waste Infrastructural needs. Disbursements should start with TSN areas as a first priority.

3a. Do you agree or disagree with this? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

3b. Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remuneration for retailers

4. The levy will be collected by retailers at the point of sale. Retailers will be obliged to itemise the charge on the bill receipt; keep records and submit returns and payments quarterly.

One other consideration is whether or not retailers should receive remuneration for expenses incurred as a result of this initiative as opposed to the entire revenue from the levy going toward a central environmental fund.

4a. Do you agree or disagree that retailers should receive remuneration for expenses incurred as a result of the initiative? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

4b.Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Objectives

5. The Bill would have 3 key objectives, these are:
· protecting the environment both by the reduction in the number of plastic bags and
by investing the money raised by the levy in local environmental projects;
· To assist with waste reduction by encouraging the reduction of plastic bags in circulation and the reuse of those that are; and
· raising awareness of environmental issues such as recycling and litter.

5a. Do you agree with these key objectives? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

5b.Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this? Please feel free to list any additional or alternative objectives.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Enforcement

6. It is proposed that the requirement that retailers collect and pass on the full amount of the levy on customers should be enforced by local councils. The Bill will contain penalties for non-compliance and provision will also be made for appeals.

6a. Do you agree or disagree that retailers should be penalised for not complying with the initiative and passing on the charge to customers? (Please circle answer)

Agree.........Disagree.........Unsure

6b. Would you like to explain why you agree or disagree with this?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6c. Would you like to outline what you think the penalty should be for retailers who do not comply with the initiative and do not pass on the charge to their customers?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to complete this response to the consultation for this Private Members Bill.

Please send your comments on or before Friday 14th May 2010 to:

Daithí McKay MLA
Sinn Féin
162 Bóthar na dTullachain
Dún Lathaí
Baile Meanach
Co. Aontroma
BT44 9AF

Email: daithimckay@btinternet.com

Cara's Column

2010-04-15T16:36:00.001+01:00

Week 27

‘To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.’
(Brandi Snyder)

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. People with MND are gradually confined to a wheel chair, with the condition often progressing rapidly.

There are several people within our District with this cruel disease, with devastating consequences for the victims and their loved ones.

The column this week has been dedicated to the memory of Ciaran McGinn who died suddenly last week. At just 26 years old, Ciaran had accomplished a lot in his young life. Ciaran had travelled the world. He was captain of Portrush Hockey Team. Ciaran famously undertook the huge challenge of swimming from Rathlin Island to Ballycastle – the first person to do so in recent history. Ciaran had a passion for surfing. He had a passion for life. He loved to help other people and was well known for his charity work.

When his mother was diagnosed a year and a half ago with MND, Ciaran turned his energies into searching for a cure for the person who was his world.

It is devastating to standby and watch the person you love suffer. Ciaran was a victim of Motor Neuron Disease.

A fundraising night to raise awareness and to help raise funds to find a cure for MND will take place this Saturday night, (10th April) in the Carrick-a-Rede Bar, Ballintoy. The event will be in tribute to Ciaran. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Moyle community are with the McGinn family at this time.

Week 28

Make hay when the sun shines.

I have heard that phrase more than once over the past few days of glorious weather. On Monday as temperatures soared (going by Irish temperatures anyway!) and with bright blue skies, another huge step was taken in the Peace Process.
For the first time since partition, the people in the North have a local Justice Minister, with accountability and transparency on policing and justice powers in the hands of a locally elected power-sharing Assembly.
While there have been attempts by others to wreck havoc on the political institutions in recent weeks and days, their efforts are in vain as the vast majority of people on this island strive to build on the successes and strength of the past ten years of peace. The vote for the Justice Minister in the Assembly yesterday is testament to this.
With the recent hike in the cost of fuel, there doesn’t seem to be any tangible signs of the current economic downturn abating, despite what we often hear in the media. As times of hardship and financial difficulties continue for many of us, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has launched an additional face-to-face debt advice service earlier this year.
Debt Action NI will compliment Advice NI, an existing debt advice service funded by DETI. This additional service has also been supported by Ulster Bank.
The service will give particular support to those areas which are disadvantaged in being able to access advice services. One of the areas selected has been Moyle and just recently I was honored to launch the project locally, (hosted by Causeway Women’s Aid).

The service is strictly confidential and anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties or is concerned that they are at risk of falling into debt should contact Moira directly on 07578026304 to make an appointment or alternatively can leave a message at (028) 70356573.

The Debt Action NI service in Moyle is available at the following locations: Tuesdays, Youth Links, Market Street, Ballycastle; 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm.
Wednesdays, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Coleraine Road, Ballycastle: 9am-1pm & 2pm – 5pm.
Thursdays, Bushmills Community Centre, 9am-1pm.
Website: www.debtaction-ni.net

As Moyle District Council completes the handing over of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Centre to the National Trust, I am delighted to report that the Council staff picked up the 2009 CIE Award of Excellence for Best Tour Visit just this week.
This is the third year in a row in which the Centre’s staff has been duly recognized with this accolade.

In recognition of the dedication and commitment given to the Council, I will be hosting a reception later this week to mark the end of an era with Moyle, as staff transfer over to the National Trust later this month.

I would like to extend my condolences to the local Polish community on the tragic death of their President Lech Kaczynski and to all of the other 96 people who were killed in a plane crash at the weekend in Russia. Although many Polish people who resided in Moyle in recent years have returned to their homeland, whilst here they made a lasting contribution to our community.

ESB workers helping out in Glenravel

2010-04-05T21:43:00.002+01:00

Below are a number of ESB workers who gave a hand out in Glenravel over the last number of days. These lads came up all the way from Wicklow to help out and are friends of a local Sinn Féin Councillor Éamonn Long. Glenravel Sinn Féin activist Paul Maguire ran into them when working on the ground there last week and took this photo.

On behalf of the local community a big thank you to these lads and everyone else who came from the south and across the water to help out.

Call for NIE to put compensation scheme in place for victims of power shortage

2010-04-05T21:09:00.001+01:00

Press release I stuck out earlier:

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on NIE to clarify what compensation will be available to members of the public who have spent days without electricity and in some cases running water. He said that thousands and thousands of pounds worth of food had been lost as a result of the power shortages.

Mr McKay said

“There is absolutely no doubt that members of the public are thankful for the efforts of NIE workers, on the ground, in call centres and elsewhere over the past week. Their efforts to try and restore power to homes across the north and the provision of generators for refuge centres like the one in Loughgiel were much appreciated.

“However at a difficult time economically, people have suffered a number of severe losses over the past week. Thousands of pounds worth of food stocked up in fridges and freezers has been spoiled. Businesses have been set back a number of days and farmers have suffered as a result of both the electricity shortage and the freezing conditions which have claimed the lives of many of their livestock, mainly lambs.

“NIE are a profitable company and given the level of custom they receive from members of the public here I think that an appropriate compensation scheme should be put in place without delay. Members of the public still haven’t got any answers from NIE in regard to compensation and I think it would be only appropriate that this is dealt with as a matter of urgency.

“I would call on NIE to clarify what compensation will or will not be made available and I will also be asking the Executive to explore the possibility of offering assistance to affected groups such as the farming community. The Utility Regulator also has a responsibility to protect the interests of those consumers affected, particularly vulnerable people and those who are worst off within rural areas.”

Family have lucky escape after inhaling generator fumes

2010-04-02T11:54:00.000+01:00

Press release just issued:

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on people to be vigilant of the dangers of using old generators during the power shortage. His comments come after a family were nearly fatally affected by the fumes coming from a generator they were using in Glenravel. the family were saved after a neighbour arrived and alerted the emergency services.

Mr McKay said

"It was by the grace of God that no-one was killed and seriously injured on this occasion. A young couple and their child were using a generator and passed out from the fumes that were being released into the house unbeknown to them. Luckily for them a neighbour, who is a former fireman came across the situation and alerted the emergency services. He is certainly the hero of the moment and the local community are very appreciative of his efforts.

"I would urge anyone using generators, especially old ones which haven't been used in years, to ensure that they are working properly and to be weary of the dangerous fumes that can be emitted from them.

"This incident highlights the importance of getting the electricity back on as soon as possible."

Helping out in Glenravel

2010-04-01T19:20:00.003+01:00

Sinn Féin activists were on the ground in Glenravel yesterday and today helping clear the snow and calling with some of those worst effected by the snow. Full marks to local Cllr Monica Digney for getting the waders on!

Relief facility secured for Loughgiel residents without power

2010-04-01T18:30:00.004+01:00

Below is a press release I've just issued in regard to the electricity shortages. It has been a difficult day. We O2 mobile phone users have had no signal whatsoever and I've had to borrow a few landlines whilst we were calling at people's houses in Loughgiel today. We've secured relief facilities for tonight in Ballymoney and Loughgiel and we're working on something similar for the Glenravel area.

Our activists have also been hard at work in Glenravel and I believe theres a photograph doing the rounds of Cllr Monica Digney with the welltons on digging through the Cargin snow! I'll post that one up as soon as I can get it!

Ballymoney Council has agreed to a request from North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay to open up relief centres for people in rural parts of Ballymoney who have no electricity. Mobile Phone provision for O2 users has also failed in Glenravel, Loughgiel, Cloughmills and Dunloy.

Mr McKay said:

“It is to be welcomed that the local council has agreed to my proposal to open up relief centres in Ballymoney to ensure that people without electricity do not go without heat or hot food and water tonight.

“In Ballymoney the Joey Dunlop Centre will be open all night and will provide water, showers, hot food, blankets and somewhere warm to sleep. There will also be Health Trust Staff available through the night as well.

“In Loughgiel I have requested that the Millennium Centre be opened up to provide relief for local people in the rural community who have no electricity, heating or water. NIE, to their credit are assisting in getting the Centre opened up tonight by providing important resources such as generators.

“However the most important work that needs to be done is for local people to call and check on their neighbours, especially older people and the vulnerable. The electricity cuts are set to continue into the weekend which will put these groups at even greater risk.”

Cara's Column

2010-03-31T20:14:00.002+01:00

Below is the latest diary entry from Moyle Council Chair Cara McShane:

Week 25

I wonder who came up with the phrase “ Drowning the Shamrock”? (Answers on a postcard please). Anyway a week after St. Patricks’ Day and I have now fully recovered from my own attempts at this traditional pastime! (It would be rude not to have a few drinks to celebrate our patron saint). I had to quench my thirst after a hard treck up Slemish in the morning. This was a great experience which I shared with the hundreds of other pilgrims, though I would definitely only want to do it once a year.

On the same day, many miles from where I was sitting, St Gall’s clinched the All-Ireland Club Football Final at Croke Park, Dublin. This was a proud achievement for all of us from County Antrim and a well deserved victory for the Belfast team.

The Community Transport Association throughout the North, represents a wide variety of operators who provide accessible door-to-door and group travel services to community groups, older people and people with disabilities on a non-profit making basis. Last week I met with Nigel Flynn from North Antrim Community Transport (NACT), which covers the Moyle area. Community transport services are focused on individual needs - people with disabilities can travel on the minibuses as easily as anyone else; older people can make use of social cars for an important appointment. Funding is given from both the Health and Regional Development Departments, for the ‘Social Car Scheme’ and ‘Dial-a-Lift’, respectively. However, real concerns were raised at the beginning of the year as funding for the Social Car Scheme ran out. The effect meant that many people, with no access to transport, were left isolated and with no means of getting to health related appointments. Just this week however I have been informed by North Antrim Community Transport that money has been secured to allow the Social Car Scheme to operate again until June. This service is a life-line to many people within Moyle, especially in rural areas such as The Glens, and the news will be welcomed by the hundreds of users. We as elected representatives have an obligation to use our lobbying power to ensure this funding is secured long-term, in order to help and protect the most vulnerable within our community.

The week as Chairperson concluded on a positive note as I was invited to officiate at the opening of the newly extended visitor facilities at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. I was honoured to be among many people from Ballintoy, including local legend Achie Colgan, the last local person who kept on the tradition of erecting the suspension bridge each year to salmon-fish off Carrick island. The site is now owned and maintained by the National Trust, with the most recent bridge emade by Heyn Construction. Having worked many summers as a student at the ‘Rope Bridge’ and with the stunning views along the cliff path, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for me is the gem of the North Coast. In the words of Achie Colgan in a television advert some years ago, ‘I’ve crossed this bridge hundreds of times, can you cross it once?’

Week 26

Just as I had managed to finally drag out a case of spring/summer clothes from below my bed, the sleet and snow falls again. You may be forgiven for thinking it was the middle of November, however there is no need for any doom and gloom as we have much to celebrate in Moyle this past week!

A big Congratulations to Cross and Passion College who were hailed All-Ireland Champions at the weekend in the Colleges Final against Dungarvan Christian Brothers School! The brilliant senior hurlers from the Ballycastle School picked up the O’Keefe Cup for the second successive year, making history as the first Ulster school to win the coveted title two years in a row. The CPC hurlers’ display of passion, determination and skill paid off as they encountered a tough challenge from the Waterford team. While there were excellent performances from many individuals, it took a team effort to secure victory. The entire team, their families, and mentors Odhran Kearney and Joe Cassidy, are an inspiration to the whole school community and to GAA enthusiasts from throughout North Antrim.

On Thursday evening I was invited by Ballycastle Church Action Group to a Community Forum on ‘A Shared Future’ in Corrymeela. The event was attended by a huge number of people from throughout the District and was led by Dr Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing my perspective on our recent history and the possibilities and opportunities for the future with many people, who would have very different backgrounds than myself.

Although I did not have many ‘Mayoral’ duties this week, I certainly had many social occasions to attend. On Friday I joined Council colleagues and Vice-Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, Brian McLister, for the official opening of the Central Bar in Ballycastle. The extensively refurbished wine bar will be a huge asset to Ballycastle and in the development of a top culinary experience for locals and tourists alike. Against all my best intentions however, I celebrated a little too enthusiastically! Congratulations also to Kaleena and Barry Murphy who got married on the same day at Glenariffe Waterfalls!

Yesterday morning I joined with P6 and P7 pupils from Moyle in the Mayor’s Parlour, as they participated in the annual Environmental Youth Speak public speaking competition. The event is organised to stimulate environmental awareness among young people by giving them the opportunity to research and speak about topical environmental issues. This year’s subject was ‘My Rubbish – Is it a waste or resource?’ All the children delivered excellent speeches, displaying an extensive knowledge of the subject. There was only one winner however, so congratulations to Finola Ní Fhearsíthe from Bunscoil an Chaistil! Finola will now go on to represent Moyle at the North West regional final at the end of April.

With hopefully a busy tourist season just around the corner, the Council’s tourism department has been busy continuing to tap into the domestic market in promoting Moyle. A pilot project organised with partners in Coleraine and Limavady Borough Councils, involved promotions at Shopping Centres in County Fermanagh at the weekend. There was a great deal of genuine interest in Moyle District, with a lot of people holidaying at home this year. The Prize draw for the event was sponsored by Glens Hotel, Cushendall.

While hoping we do not have a white Easter, may I wish you all a very happy and relaxing break!

Ballymoney Council ‘wide open to legal challenge’ over Irish signage

2010-03-31T20:08:00.002+01:00

Below is a press statement which has been released by my party colleague on Ballymoney Council Anita Cavlan. Ballymoney Council has been discriminating against nationalists in the district and has even decided not to implement its own policies in order to carry out this discrimination!

Ballymoney Sinn Féin Councillor Anita Cavlan has slammed DUP Councillors John Finlay and Frank Campbell for their continuing efforts to deny local communities the right to erect Irish streetsigns and for going against the Council’s own policy. Cllr Cavlan said that some of those affected are now taking legal advice and said that the council should brace itself for such a challenge. She labelled both DUP Councillors as ‘sectarian bigots’.

Ms Cavlan said

“Ballymoney Council has in place a policy for the erection of street nameplates in a language other than English. This policy accommodates those who want their street or road names displayed in the Irish language.

“For the past year the DUP has deferred the decision to erect Irish street-signage even though those who have requested it have abided by the Council’s policy to the letter. For the council to continue to defy its own policy is an untenable position and has left the council open to legal challenge.

“I believe that given the length of time that these decisions have been deferred that a legal challenge is much more likely to succeed and I hope that the sectarian bigots who made these decisions, chiefly Frank Campbell and John Finlay, will pay the legal costs themselves rather than forcing ratepayers to foot the bill.

“John Finlay proposed that the council write to the Equality Commission about the matter and their response has strengthened the argument that I have already put forward that the Council must abide by its own policies. The Commission has recommended consistency with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which was signed up to by the British Government. It also states that Irish street names “should be provided where there is a local demand”.

“I will be flagging up to the Equality Commission that this policy isn’t being applied because the council is discriminating against those who made the applications because of their religious and political background – an extremely serious breach of the Section 75 equality legislation. As a result of the council’s stance of not implementing its own policy community relations are being damaged further in the district, something the Equality Commission also refers to. No-one in this council has interfered with council policy when it comes to Ulster Scots and they probably never will. The likes of Frank Campbell and John Finlay have interfered however in the councils policies when it involves members of the Irish language community and they have left this council wide open to legal action by their foolish decisions. It is the height of stupidity.”

Question Time : Parades Working Group

2010-03-23T00:09:00.003Z

Earlier today I questioned the First Minister Peter Robinson about the Parades Working Group and any progress in regard to dialogue between parade organisers and residents associations:

Cara's Column

2010-03-19T17:43:00.002Z

Below is Moyle Chairperson Cara McShane's latest diary entry:

With Spring certainly in the air, the brighter evenings certainly gives us much more to cheer about! One particular couple who deserve to be very pleased this week is Ballintoy farmer Maurice McHenry and his wife Marie, who recently picked up the North’s ‘Beautiful Farm Award’. Spectacular views of the North Coast and farming in harmony with the environment, were just a few of the many encouraging comments that inspired the final judgement. Congratulations to both Maurice and Marie on this well-deserved accolade.

On Tuesday morning I chaired a meeting in the Council to discuss potential engineering solutions to help alleviate the problem of antisocial motoring in the Bayview/Harbour Car Park area of Ballycastle. These issues have been long-running and well-documented. The meeting involved a wide range of key-stakeholders including the Council’s Head of Technical Services, Councillors, the District Policing Partnership, P.S.N.I, Roads Service, the Rathlin Ferry Company and local business representatives. Several options were considered, which will include traffic calming measures, CCTV and environmental improvements. The Council will consider the agreed way forward within the next week, with the proposed measures going out to public consultation prior to any final decision. For more information, please contact the Head of Technical Services at Moyle Council.

Later in the evening, I was delighted to go along to the AGM of the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce. Together we agreed to organise a May Gala Evening for the RISE Foundation. The RISE Foundation is a registered charity which aims to support families and loved ones of people in Addiction. RISE helps families understand the shame and stigma associated with Addiction and delivers caring services by those who empathetically understand addiction. Well known singer and song-writer, Frances Black founded the organisation and I was delighted then to host a delegation from the business community to meet with Frances Black in the Council on Wednesday evening. The Gala Evening will take place on Saturday 1st May in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle.

On Saturday afternoon, along with Jennifer McCann MLA, I was invited to speak to a group of young women from Queen’s University Belfast, Sinn Féin Cumann. ‘From Conflict to Peace – A Female Perspective’ examined the role that women have played in the recent conflict, and the road to peace.

As part of a series of events organised to mark International Women’s Day, this event focused on the many women who have positively influenced the political landscape in Ireland. The discussion that followed explored why fewer women are actively involved in political life in general and how society can change the current gender imbalance and ensure more young women feel confident and proud enough to stand up and have their
say.

Following the seminar, I took delight in squeezing in some retail therapy in the Park Centre, Belfast, before heading off to sunny North Antrim. Moyle Council’s Tourism Department was piloting a two day promotional project within the Park Centre over the weekend. Given the current economic climate and with many people opting to holiday at home this year, it is crucial that we target out domestic tourist market. Supported by Antrim Glens Tourism and with a prize draw, sponsored by Ballycastle Holiday Homes, this event proved to be a roaring success.

Last and certainly by no means least, I want to convey my warmest congratulations to Cross and Passion College for reaching the All Ireland Colleges Hurling Final yet again.

The hotly fancied St Raphael’s from Loughrea in County Galway, were not strong enough for the reigning champions from the Ballycastle school. I want to take this opportunity to wish Cross and Passion the best of luck as they prepare now to meet Dungarvan CBS, County Waterford, in the All Ireland O’Keefe Cup final on Saturday 27th March.

Cllr McShane can be contacted at Moyle District Council on 028 207 62225

Running the "Stormont Mile"

2010-03-16T13:40:00.003Z

Just finished running up and down the mile run to the Assembly. I think the actual distance that we done was about 1.5miles but it still took its toll! Most participants walked the route but a select few chose to run after the competitive edge kicked in. Not a great idea to do it in a shirt and trousers mind you!

First 6 to finish:

- Jim Fitzpatrick

- David Ford

- Gerry Kelly

- Roy Beggs

- Daithí McKay

- Barry McElduff

Other 'stragglers' included: Mark Durkan, Gregory Campbell, Thomas Burns, Peter Weir, Alistair Ross, Kieran McCarthy, George Robinson and Jim Shannon.

The "Moyle Mayor"

2010-03-15T19:43:00.001Z

Below is the latest entry in Moyle Chairperson's Cara McShane's diary:

Last Tuesday evening I was honoured to be invited by Cross and Passion College Principle, Mrs Barbara Ward, to join in the welcoming events for a delegation of people from Sri Lanka in the Connecting Classrooms project. Connecting Classrooms builds lasting partnerships between schools in the North and in Britain with schools around the world. Local schools including Cross and Passion College and St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Primary School, along with St Joseph’s High School and Coleraine Girl’s High will embark on a three year global programme with their designated cluster of schools in Sri Lanka, bringing an international dimension to young people’s learning. Through these partnerships, the programme develops trust and understanding between young people in different societies, creating a safer and more connected world for the future. The teachers, students and wider community will have a great opportunity to learn about life, customs and traditions in Sri Lanka. The project, ‘Getting to Know You’ certainly got off to promising start last week as the Ballycastle host schools provided a Welcoming Concert to the visiting delegation. Traditional music, Irish dancing, and even a couple of songs from Mickey Dallat and Mrs Ward provided a huge and memorable Céad Míle Fáilte to our international guests!

On Friday morning I had the pleasure to catch up with many of the community and voluntary leaders in our District at the Cancer Research ‘Healthy Breakfast’ in Ballycastle Presbyterian Church hall. This was the tenth successful year of running the Breakfast fundraiser. The volunteers and organisers of such events are the real pillars within our society with their endless commitment and dedication to charity work.

In the afternoon I headed to Dublin for Sinn Féin’s Ard Fhéis, where I was tasked to Co-Chairing the opening debates on the Peace Process and the Party’s Constitution. This was a somewhat daunting task, not least because many people jokingly ask what language I am speaking as they struggle to get their heads around the North Antrim accent!

After an upbeat and successful Annual Conference in Dublin, I focused my attentions to preparing for my work in the Assembly on Monday and for the Council meeting later in the evening. In the afternoon I welcomed fellow Moyle Councillors to Stormont to meet with Michelle Gildernew, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, to discuss DARD responsibilities at the Lammas Fair. We detailed residents concerns in relation to horse trading on Fairhill Street among other issues. This was a positive engagement as the Minister gave a commitment that her Department would exercise a much more visible presence in the days leading up to and including the Lammas Fair, as well as having a pro-active role in the pre-planning of the event. Although we all appreciate there is much more work to be done, the Minister congratulated the people of Ballycastle, the Council and others for ensuring the success of the oldest traditional Fair in Ireland throughout the years.

Prior to the Council meeting on Monday, I held a reception for Paul McLister in the Mayor’s Parlour. Paul recently won Antrim Council’s Achievement in Sport award. Along with other Councillors and Paul’s family we celebrated not only this most recent accolade for his fitness and ability in basketball, but Paul’s determination, strength and courage against all the odds throughout the past 22 years of his life. Paul is now on his year’s placement from Queen’s University and drives regularly to Dublin to participate in the Irish League for Basketball. Paul McLister is the ultimate inspiration to all of us.

Money laundering being investigated at Ballymena Ulsterbus amid claims of loyalist involvement

2010-03-15T14:19:00.002Z

The DRD Minister Conor Murphy has agreed to my request to investigate reports of money laundering and other malpractice at the Ulsterbus depot in Ballymena. Currently the Translink Internal Audit team are investigating the local Ulsterbus depot. Below is part of a statement I have just issued:

“The Translink Internal Audit team are currently carrying out an investigation at the Ulsterbus depot in Ballymena. This investigation is focussed on a number of issues related to reported cash shortages and cash handling irregularities. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated and one administrative member of staff has resigned. It is anticipated that this report will go before the Transport Holding Company Audit Committee in June and I will be requesting to see this report.

“Further to this investigatory work I have also asked that reports of money laundering and malpractice involving worker timecards and accident reports are looked into. The Minister has agreed to my request and Translink will now explicity review these areas of concern.

“This isn’t the first time that the depot has been investigated. Theft of diesel fuel took place at this location in June 2008. This was investigated at the time but no prosecutions were forthcoming due to lack of evidence.

“It has been reported that there is a loyalist link to the some of the money laundering which is alleged to have taken place here. That is extremely concerning. I will be pushing Translink and the Department to ensure that no stone is left unturned concerning this investigation and that those guilty of wrongdoing face the full vigour of the law.”

Gildernew keen to move on decentralisation

2010-03-12T12:12:00.002Z

I've put questions forward to all departments concerning the matter of decentralising public jobs. Sammy Wilson has spoken out against the move unsurprisingly but the Agriculture Minister seems keen to begin such a process:

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she has given to posts within her Department that could be relocated or decentralised.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development already has a number of posts in a range of offices across the north of Ireland. These are currently being transformed into a network of 12 DARD Direct offices spread across the north providing a one-stop for farm business services. I fully support the decentralisation of public sector jobs, and await an Executive discussion on the recommendations within the Bain Review with a view to moving the issue forward.

Assembly debate on 50-50 recruitment

2010-03-02T15:00:00.002Z

Below is my contribution to yesterday's Assembly debate on the phasing out of 50-50 recruitment to the PSNI:

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I declare an interest as a member of the Policing Board.
I support amendment No 1. The Chief Constable’s annual report for 2008-09 stated:
“The PSNI wants to have a workforce that is reflective of the society it serves.”
It went on to say:
“It is through initiatives such as … the 50/50 legislation that the PSNI hopes to establish a truly reflective workforce.”
That makes it clear that the top-ranking police officers in the PSNI recognise that there is a compositional problem and see the benefits of implementing a 50:50 recruitment policy or something similar until the workforce is more representative than it is now.

Mr Easton: The Member’s party is fond of talking about equality, but there does not seem to be equality for Protestants joining the PSNI. Does his party believe that recruitment to the PSNI should be based on the best man or woman for the job and not on his or her religion?

Mr Deputy Speaker: The Member has an extra minute in which to speak.

Mr McKay: As was made clear in previous contributions, a merit pool exists, and everyone who gets a job in the PSNI through the 50:50 recruitment system is appointed on merit.
As I said, it is clear that top-ranking police officers recognise that there is a compositional problem that must be dealt with. The PSNI top team, which includes the Chief Constable, faces a challenge to bring forward proposals to ensure that compositional change continues if Patten is phased out. If they do not, and the percentage of Catholic employees and employees from other minorities in the Police Service decreases, confidence in the police will suffer a massive blow.
We must, of course, address the representation of other minorities and other sections of our society. Stephen Farry referred to those from working-class communities. There is an under-representation as far as the loyalist and republican communities are concerned.

Mr Simpson: Will the Member give way?
Mr McKay: I will not.
Peter Weir referred to under-representation in gender and race. The Policing Board has tried to address that through a gender action plan. Sinn Féin has submitted proposals to look at measures that other police services have implemented where the representation of females in the police is monitored.
At a time when we should be maximising confidence through the devolution of policing and justice powers, there is a danger that that confidence could be eroded from within.

Mr B McCrea: Will the Member give way?

Mr McKay: I will not give way.
The Patten report said:
“real community policing is impossible if the composition of the police service bears little relationship to the composition of the community as a whole.”
That point was also made in the Macpherson report, which, following the death of Stephen Lawrence, highlighted the racism in the Metropolitan Police Service in London.
Patten did not place a cap on the 50:50 recruitment programme when Catholic composition reached 30%; the NIO and the British Government did that. Patten forecast that the programme could achieve as much as 33% Catholic representation in the Police Service after 10 years and said that the composition of the police should continue to move towards a closer resemblance to that of the community as a whole.

Other opportunities have been missed. Alex Maskey referred to the recruitment of part-time officers, which could have been handled better.

There is an onus on the board and, indeed, on the PSNI to look into the number of new recruits who leave the service and to interpret the reasons for their leaving. Three hundred and thirty officers who joined the PSNI since November 2001 have left, 209 of whom had Catholic backgrounds. Therefore, Catholics are significantly more likely to leave the police. Clearly, that area requires more scrutiny. Not enough exit interviews are being carried out with those leaving the Police Service.

Aside from the 50:50 issue, it was envisaged that the accommodation of lateral entry would help to deal with the more severe under-representation of Catholics at the higher levels of the service. Unfortunately, that has not come to pass, and the British and Irish Governments have not shown the political will necessary to deal with the barriers being faced by gardaí who want to join the PSNI by way of lateral entry. Given the proposed phasing out of 50:50 recruitment, the two Governments must urgently put in place a plan to deal with the issue of pensions for those seeking to transfer using that mechanism. With the forthcoming promotions in the police, the importance of the lateral entry mechanism cannot be underestimated.
The changes to the Police Service and to policing over the past 10 years have been positive, but it is important for that process of change to continue. Community representation is intertwined with community confidence and real community policing. A lot of work has been done, but a lot more needs to be done.

Letter to the Editor : PSNI Composition

2010-03-02T14:08:00.003Z

Below is a copy of my letter which was printed in today's Irish News and last week's Belfast Telegraph. The section highlighted in blue was not printed in the newspaper due to the lack of print space.

A Chara

At a meeting of the Policing Board’s Human Resources Committee it was revealed that the number of new Catholic recruits leaving the PSNI is disproportionately high. We intend to look into the reasons behind that, and I believe that there are still cultural issues within the PSNI which lead to Catholic recruits being more likely to leave the service. Therefore mechanisms such as 50/50 recruitment should continue until the service can address the baggage of sub-culture and under-representation. I also believe that the PSNI are not carrying out enough exit interviews with those who are leaving the service and they must address this in order to identify the exact reasons behind such job resignations.

Aside from 50/50 it was envisaged under Patten that the accommodation of a process called lateral entry would help deal with the more severe under-representation of Catholics at the higher levels of the service. Under this process senior members of the Gardai could transfer permanently to the PSNI. Unfortunately that has not come to pass and both the British & Irish governments have not shown the political will necessary to deal with the barriers to those Gardai wanting to join the PSNI by way of lateral entry. With the proposed phasing out of other measures to address underrepresentation the two governments must urgently put in place a plan to deal with the outstanding issue of pensions for those officers looking to transfer. The importance of the lateral entry mechanism cannot be underestimated.

In the PSNI Chief Constable’s Annual Report it states that the “PSNI wants to have a workforce that is reflective of the society it serves" and “it is through initiatives such as the 50/50 legislation that the PSNI hopes to establish a truly reflective workforce.” So clearly the police have indicated their support for the continuation of initiatives such as 50/50 in order to achieve a representative service.

Over the last ten years we have seen significant and radical change in the composition of the PSNI. However the big challenge now is to finish the job that Patten started. The Policing Board and the PSNI therefore have a challenge. That challenge is to bring forward proposals to ensure compositional change continues. If they don’t, and the percentage of Catholic employees and other minorities within the PSNI drops, confidence in the police will be severely dented.

With the dawning of a devolved policing administration we should be trying to ensure that confidence in the police increases. A fall in Catholic representation or a stalling of it will damage the image of the PSNI and both the Service and the Board should not underestimate the impact of that.

Patten forecast that "the composition of the police should continue to move towards a closer resemblance to that of the community as a whole” and that is what the Policing Board, the PSNI and a future Justice Minister must deliver on.

People want to see a police service which is impartial, representative, free from the political baggage that the RUC carried and operates on the premise of positive engagement with all communities. That is what Sinn Féin is working towards and we believe that this type of policing should be eventually rolled out across the island as a single all-Ireland policing service.

Is Mise

Daithí McKay MLA
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Poots holding up GAA application passed by Down Council

2010-03-02T12:22:00.004Z

Yesterday I quizzed the Environment Minister about his interference with an application for GAA facilities in County Down. The application has been passed by the Council but Poots has told senior planners not to issue an approval notice.

In his response to me the Minister cites road safety issues. He neglects to say that when this came before council there were no road safety issues presented as reasons for refusal by Roads Service. in fact there were no objections whatsoever to the application! My party colleague in South Down, Willie Clarke will be keeping an eye on this, as I will myself. It stinks of political interference.

Mr McKay asked the Minister of the Environment if he has ever asked the Planning Service to defer final approval of a planning application for a sporting facility that had already been passed by a local council. (AQO 853/10)

The Minister of the Environment: If an MLA or an MP asks for a meeting about a planning application after a council consultation, it is standard practice for the decision notice to be held to allow that meeting to take place. That has been normal practice for many years, under direct rule and the devolved administrations.

I am aware of only one application for a sporting facility on which approval has been deferred at my request, following the local council’s agreement with my Department’s opinion. That application was for a GAA pitch on land adjacent to 69 Burrenbridge Road, Bryansford. The application was presented to the local council as an approval and was agreed at its meeting on 26 October 2009. The issuing of the decision was held back to allow me to meet Jim Wells MLA. That meeting has taken place, and the application remains under consideration.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer. There would be concern if MLAs could hold up planning applications in the way that that application has been held up. The application was for a GAA facility in Bryansford, and the Minister ordered senior planning staff not to issue an approval notice, because of the opinion of Jim Wells.
By treating the GAA differently from other planning applicants because of Jim Wells’s discriminatory views, has he left his Department open to legal challenge? Has he set a dangerous precedent? Because he has clearly brought both his office and his Department into disrepute by allowing the GAA application to be singled out.

The Minister of the Environment: I totally refute the suggestion that anybody has brought anything into disrepute. Mr McKay may wish to know that members of his party have had applications deferred after councils have consulted on them. So, I am not offering something to a member of the DUP that has not been offered to members of any other party. Members of those parties know who I am referring to, because they have done it; they were entitled to do it, and that has been the policy for many years.

We were just talking about road safety. The proposal is for a fairly large facility, which will open onto a C-class road, and the PSNI’s traffic branch has submitted a very critical report and analysis of the road safety issues with the application. Therefore, the application is not particularly straightforward, and the issues that Mr Wells raised were planning ones, not political ones.

Offshore Renewables Action Plan to be finalised

2010-03-01T13:10:00.002Z

The Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan is currently out for consultation. The Enterprise Minister has confirmed that this will be finalised this Spring. All being well important work on offshore renewable energy projects can be progressed significantly in 2010-11.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if her Department has set targets for the amount of electricity generated from tidal energy resources; and if she intends to review these targets.

DETI is currently consulting on a draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2009-2020 to develop offshore wind and marine renewables in Northern Ireland waters. This draft Plan has proposed a target of 300 MW of tidal energy by 2020. This target will be reviewed in light of the consultation feedback prior to the finalisation of the Plan in Spring 2010.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what action his Department has taken in relation to developing offshore wind-farms since 2007.

The Department of the Environment is responsible for regulating construction activities within the marine environment. Planning permission is required for development up to the low water mark and a FEPA licence for construction from the high water mark.
In carrying out its regulatory functions the Department seeks to engage positively with those who bring forward proposals for all forms of low carbon energy production.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action her Department has taken since 2007 to develop off-shore wind farms.

DETI has undertaken a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of its draft Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan 2009-2020 to develop offshore wind and marine renewables in Northern Ireland waters. The draft Plan and the SEA have been issued for consultation and, when finalised in Spring 2010, will form the framework within which The Crown Estate can issue a call for offshore wind and marine renewable energy projects in Northern Ireland waters in 2010-2011.

Dunclug not a priority for Minister Ritchie

2010-02-26T23:24:00.004Z

Locally people will be severely disappointed at the news that the work to build a Dunclug Link Road, which would have radically changed the layout of the estate has been cut by the DSD Minister. Dunclug, statistically is a deprived area, and as such work here should be prioritised. The Minister should be putting those worst off first in my opinion and unfortunately the will does not seem to be there in finishing this job.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Social Development when the new link road outlined in the Dunclug Action Plan will be completed.

Minister for Social Development : The Dunclug Link Road forms part of phase 2 of the Housing Executive’s Environmental Improvement Scheme for the area.
Unfortunately due to the collapse of the land and property market the resources for schemes such as this are not currently available.
As such the Housing Executive are not currently able to state when this scheme will begin, however they remain committed to it and will keep the situation under close review.

Nominated for 2010 Irish Blog Awards

2010-02-26T21:13:00.002Z

I came across this by chance earlier today. The 2010 Irish Blog Awards are being held on March 27th in Galway and this blog is one of 16 nominees for the "Best Blog of a Politician" category. Theres some other interesting names in the mix as well. I for one never knew (nor expected!) Daphne Trimble to have a blog.

Best Blog of a Politician

» Cuffe Street
» David Norris
» Daithi McKay
» Joe Higgins
» Laura McGonigle
» Shane Ross
» Trevor’s Kitchen Garden
» Killian Forde
» Dominic Hannigan
» Joan Burton
» Joanna Tuffy
» James Lawless
» Seamus Ryan
» Paschal Donohoe
» Richard Bruton
» Daphne Trimble

Ban on junk food in hospital vending machines?

2010-02-26T19:55:00.003Z

The Minister has just updated me on this, an issue I raised with him 2 years ago. Already such a ban is in place in Wales and it will no doubt play a small part in combating obesity in society. I will be seeking a further update on its progress later in the year.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2082/09, if he has given further consideration to introducing a ban on hospital vending machines selling junk food, similar to the ban in place in Wales.

The issue of healthy vending machines is being considered by the Food and Nutrition Advisory Group which is one of four specialist Advisory Groups contributing to a new 10 year Obesity Prevention Strategic Framework which is expected to be completed later this year.

Ballymena A26 underpass to be completed by June

2010-02-26T17:38:00.005Z

{All photographs used in this post are attributable to Wesley Johnston and can be found at www.wesleyjohnston.com/roads}

The Roads Minister Conor Murphy has confirmed that the underpass below the Larne Road roundabout outside Ballymena will be completed by June. Whilst driving up the bypass I've taken a few ganders at it recently and it certainly is shaping up well. A more shortened route by the summer will be good news for local commuters and those tourists coming up to the north coast and is to be very much welcomed.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on the work being carried out to provide a dual carriageway below the Larne Road roundabout in Ballymena.

My Department’s Roads Service has advised that construction of the dual carriageway underneath the Larne Road Roundabout, connecting the Ballee Road East dual carriageway to the southern end of the M2 Ballymena Bypass, has been delayed. This was caused firstly by a significant archaeological find, and secondly, by poor weather encountered over the winter period. Roads Service expects that once the weather improves, the contractor will be able to complete the earthworks and construction will continue.

It is anticipated that the road will be open for traffic in June 2010.

Putting NITB under the spotlight for Moyle neglect

2010-02-24T15:39:00.000Z

More News from the North Coast

2010-02-24T14:42:00.002Z

Below is this week's diary entry from Moyle Mayor Cara McShane. Cara also makes reference to the recent shameful attack on Independent Unionist Councillor Price McConaghy and his wife Beth. I last met both Price and his wife at a function in Bushmills Distillery last year and they're both very nice people who I have a lot of time for. Those who carried out this attack on an elderly couple such as this are truly low people.

It is Monday evening and I have just come home from Council’s monthly planning meeting. As I made my way to the Council from the Assembly yesterday, I looked on with green eyes as I negotiated the huge volume of traffic making its way excitedly to see Lady Gaga at the Odyssey. Although I am quite confident our meeting was not just as electrifying as the concert, there were thankfully no major sparks to report!

Following the last Council meeting however, I was horrified to learn that a Council colleague, Cllr Price McConaghy, had several downstairs windows smashed at his home minutes after he had returned from the meeting. Cllr McConaghy and his wife Beth were watching television and enjoying a cup of tea when thugs attacked their home. This was a repulsive and cowardly act carried out by hooligans. It was undoubtedly a terrifying experience for Beth and Price and my thoughts are with them.

Well it was great news this week on the sporting front, with Moyle’s Greenlight Gateway winning the North’s Senior Boccia Championships held in the Antrim Forum on Thursday. Boccia is a Paralympics Sport and this year was the first time the local Greenlight Gateway participated in the competition. This is huge achievement and testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the young people, staff and volunteers at the Centre.

Although I had several meetings over the past week, duties as Chairperson were quite light. Among the correspondence I received however, was one from NI Foster Care, detailing information sessions throughout the Northern Health Trust area, encouraging people to become Foster Carers. ‘Brighten Up a Child’s World’ will be held on Monday 15th March in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle and on Thursday 18th March in the Glens Hotel, Cushendall – both seminars beginning at 7pm.

On Saturday morning (27th February), Chest, Heart and Stroke will be hosting a Coffee morning and pampering session in the Mayor’s Parlour from 10am-1pm. Admission is £4 and everyone is welcome to come along.

If you would like to contact Cllr McShane, please call Moyle District Council 028 207 62225

Tourism Minister agrees with Sinn Féin that NITB ‘wronged’ Moyle Council

2010-02-24T13:38:00.001Z

I have to very much welcome the admission from Tourism Minister Arlene Foster that Moyle Council was left out of an event held by the Chief Executive of the NITB and that it “was the wrong thing to do”. Previously Sinn Féin Councillor and Chair of Moyle District Council, Cara McShane, had slammed the Tourist Board for excluding Moyle Council from a recent meeting in Coleraine, organized to discuss the vision for the North East area’s tourism industry.

The meeting was convened by the Chief Executive of the NITB, Alan Clarke, and included officers from Ballymena, Coleraine and Larne Councils.

We in Sinn Féin found it extremely unusual, to put it mildly, that Moyle Council was the only council in the area which was left out of a meeting with the NITB Chief Executive to discuss tourism in the north east. Local people in the tourist industry were equally unimpressed with the Tourist Board’s lacklustre response after it was flagged up with them.

I have pressed the Tourism Minister on this matter over the past number of weeks and I am glad that she has now admitted that the decision was the “wrong thing to do”. She also said that the NITB’s justification for the snub was “not an excuse” and the Minister has personally assured me that this will not happen again.

The Minister has agreed to pass on my proposal that the Chief Executive of NITB hold a similar engagement meeting with Moyle Council to compensate for this neglect and I fully expect, as will Moyle Council, that this will take place. If it doesn’t further questions will have to be asked.

The following is an excerpt from Question-Time in the Assembly yesterday:

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Does the Minister agree that the north coast has a key part to play in the aim of attracting 2·5 million tourists? Does she also agree that NITB has not helped that process by recently leaving Moyle District Council off the north coast council invitation list for a key engagement with the chief executive of NITB? That move has not gone down well locally, to say the very least. Does the Minister agree that the NITB chief executive should hold a similar engagement exercise with Moyle District Council to help to compensate for that snub?

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: I share the Member’s disappointment that Moyle District Council was not invited to that event. I have spoken to the Tourist Board about that, and I think that it was the wrong thing to do. I was told that it was not meant in any way as a snub, but that the Tourist Board was dealing with a lot of industry people and felt that it had good representation from Moyle. That is not an excuse as far as I am concerned. As I said, I have spoken to the Tourist Board about that and I will certainly pass on the Member’s comments about Moyle District Council having a meeting with the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Developing the north coast is a key part of what we are trying to do for Northern Ireland. It is one of our big signature projects. I know that Moyle District Council is very closely associated with the signature project on the Causeway Coast. Therefore, I find it difficult to understand why Moyle District Council was not invited on that occasion. However, the matter has been taken up and I assure the Member, and all Members who represent North Antrim, that it will not happen again.

Push for new Cushendall Fire Station continues..

2010-02-22T18:32:00.003Z

The Health Minister has informed me that an Outline Business Case is being developed for a new fire station in Cushendall. This is something that Sinn Féin has been campaigning for for a number of years now, but still needs a further push to ensure that it gets the final go-ahead. The old station is cramped and certainly not fit for purpose as I found out when I was shown around it back in 2007:

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the provision of a new fire station in Cushendall.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has completed a feasibility study on the original site at Coast Road in the town and is now developing an outline Business Case which will be submitted in due course to my Department and DFP for consideration.

Council minutes : Dungannon, Castlereagh & Derry not up to standard

2010-02-22T15:45:00.003Z

Following earlier enquiries the Environment Minister has informed me that Castlereagh & Dungannon Councils are also the only councils not to publish the minutes of their committee minutes. Derry City Council are the only other council who should receive criticism due to the fact that it takes a lifetime to figure out how to find their council minutes on the website:

To ask the Minister of the Environment to list the councils who do not publish minutes of all (i) council meetings; and (ii) committee meetings.

(i) Castlereagh Borough Council and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council do not publish minutes of council meetings.

(ii) Castlereagh Borough Council, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council do not publish committee meeting minutes. Magherafelt District Council and Moyle District Council do not have any committees so minutes are not produced.

To ask the Minister of the Environment to list (i) those councils who publish minutes of their meetings online and have a link to these minutes on the home page of their website; and (ii) those councils who do not.

(i) Twenty four of the twenty six district councils publish minutes of their meetings online and 23 of those provide a direct link from their website home page, Derry City Council provides a link from the online A-Z page of their website.

(ii) Castlereagh Borough Council and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council do not publish minutes online.

Update on Dualling of A26

2010-02-22T15:34:00.004Z

The DRD Minister has given me an update in regard to the dualling of the A26 from Glarryford to the Drones Road. The next significant part of the process will take place in mid-2011 :

Mr Daithí McKay (North Antrim) : To ask the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the proposals to dual part of the A26 between Glarryford and the Drones Road.

Minister Conor Murphy :My Department’s Roads Service is progressing plans for the provision of a 7 km stretch of dual carriageway on the A26, between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road. This is one of the major projects included in the ten year Investment Delivery Plan for Roads. In August 2008, I announced the preferred route which closely follows the existing corridor. The route is currently being taken through the final stage of the scheme assessment process. This will culminate in the publication of an Environmental Statement and draft Orders, for planning and land acquisition, which I would anticipate occurring in mid-2011. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the latter part of the Investment Delivery Plan period.

Moyle musings

2010-02-17T16:28:00.002Z

Below are Moyle Mayor Cara McShane's latest diary entries:

Week 20

Patience is a must for those involved in Politics. It is a particular requirement for those trying to bring about real change in peoples lives. The Peace and the Political process here in the North has certainly proved that point. That said this process took another step forward last week with the stripping of powers from Britain, bringing policing and justice powers to local elected representatives in the North. This is clearly going to give more accountability and transparency to the benefit of people living here, thus one wonders what all the fuss was about.

I encountered another example of patience being required this week. After ten arduous years, Moyle District Council last night finally signed over a lease agreement to the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Centre. The fire that destroyed the original building in 2000, has saw Council staff operate out of wooden ‘huts’ on the site and yet despite this has won numerous awards each year for service to tourism. While I would agree with many people who would have liked the Centre to remain within Council control, there was a need to build a larger facility to cater for the growing number of tourists to the site and it was not within Council’s financial ability to avail of funding from Central government and other streams of funding which are available to conservation organisations. The Giant’s Causeway will retain its World Heritage Site status and remain within public ownership. I have no doubt that the new Centre will provide an even better service and experience to those from all over Ireland and the world who come to visit the Giant’s Causeway and thus provide maximum economic benefit to the local people of Moyle.

On Wednesday last week I attended a ‘Friends of Rathmoyle’ meeting in Ballycastle. Representatives from the Northern Health Trust gave a presentation, which was not impressive to those present. Leaving the room that night, I am still not clear or confident of the Health Trust’s proposals in relation to the provision of residential care within the area. With a strong lobby group now established and with provision set aside in the rates for this campaign, hopefully Council will not be found wanting in ensuring there is a first class service for the care of the most vulnerable group in our society, the elderly.

On Thursday evening I met with the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was an overview of the work carried out in the past 12 months since the Chamber was re-established last January with a platform to discuss a strategy and targets for the year ahead. The positive relationships which have been forged with the Council, Moyle Gateway, Community Rescue Service and many other voluntary and community groups, has resulted in a huge amount of partnership work going on. This year Council has committed to improving public toilet facilities within the town, including the demolition of the old Market Street block to be re-instated with a state of the art toilet facility. Council has also committed to setting aside money for Christmas lights throughout the three main towns in the District, as well as many other projects to promote tourism within Ballycastle. The Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organisation and the work undertaken by this group alone has been tremendous under the leadership of Paul Cochrane. The Council looks forward to enhancing the working relationship with the Chamber and I would like to take this opportunity to wish them every success in the year ahead.

Last Friday, along with Moyle Council’s Vice-Chair Cllr Robert McIlroy, I visited the Bushmills Distillery. Unfortunately on this occasion I was on ‘Mayoral’ duties and all sampling was prohibited! The local business, renowned throughout the world, was recently voted as one of the top ten in the North.

On a break from Council duties last week, I went to see the play ‘Oklahoma’ by Ballywillian Drama Group in the Riverside Theatre. One of the cast was David McClarty MLA for East Derry. The play was excellent and David along with the rest of the cast provided excellent performances. At least I know if the Assembly had went ‘belly-up’ last week, David would make a fine career out of acting!

Week 21

It was not the best weekend in terms of sports results with Ireland getting hammered by France in rugby and Dunloy being defeated in an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Club Semi-Final by Galway Team, Port Omna. However, that said, it was a good weekend locally for fund-raising for two extremely worthy causes. Although I was unable to attend the event in Carey for Haiti, from all accounts it was a great success.

On Saturday I attended a Gala evening in the Marine Hotel organized by Dara O’hArtghaile for Children in Crossfire. The evening began with a short presentation into the background of the organization. Children in Crossfire was founded a decade ago by Richard Moore. In 1972, aged 10, Richard Moore was blinded by a rubber bullet fired at point blank range into his face. Despite what many would see as a disability, he continued to live a ‘normal’ life, getting married, having a family and becoming a successful musician and businessman. From childhood to the present day, he has never allowed bitterness to stunt his development. "I learned to see life in a different way.” From his experiences, Richard Moore decided to set up an organization which would help children, especially, caught up in the crossfire of violence, as well as poverty and hunger. His story shows the remarkable spirit of a man who turned personal tragedy into triumph and now wishes to bring healing and reconciliation to the world.

From the website I learned that Richard Moore was the subject of a major BBC television documentary, 'Blind Vision' (2007) in which he meets the actual soldier who blinded him in 1972. Both men have now embarked on a journey of friendship. His autobiography, "Can I Give Him My Eyes?" has just been published. The story of Children in Crossfire has its roots in what began as a tragedy and ended in the triumph of the human spirit to overcome violence and its negative associations.

Later in the evening, my friends with me insisted that the night was still young and we frequented a few of the local establishments in the town. I can still hear the tones of one DJ ringing in my ear as he says in one breathe, ‘It’s Sunday Morning and this is the Reverend DJ Piggy, Coming to you live, From the Internationally Re-knowned - Glenshesk Bar - - In the Heart of Ballycastle - Home of the Oul Lammas Fair.’ It is characters like him who make Ballycastle what it is!!

The three seminars which I hosted last week on Older People’s Benefits and Home Insulation were a huge success, touching base with at least 100 people around the District. There was a huge amount of information available, not least the startling statistic that £62million in pension credits goes unclaimed in the North. This is not money which is taken from the ‘block grant’ given to the Assembly, but money which is sitting untouched in the British Treasury in London. For anyone unsure as to what benefits you are entitled to, you can do a simple and anonymous calculation on the Access to Benefits calculator on their website www.a2b.org.uk. You do not need to put in your name, address or national insurance number.

Finally, a public meeting will take place next Wednesday (24th February) at 7.30pm in Ballintoy to discuss the commencement date and details of the broadband project recently announced for Ballintoy, Straid, Portbraddon, Dunseverick, Mosside, Lagavara and Maghercashel. The proprietor of North West Electronics, who was successful in their application to further develop its existing network across to North Antrim to provide coverage and services in these areas, will be in attendance. This will also be an opportunity for people from other areas in Moyle who can not avail of broadband, to raise awareness of the issues at the meeting.

Social housing in Ballymena - Minister needs to deliver on St Patrick's site

2010-02-12T19:51:00.004Z

I've been pushing the Social Development Minister on the issue of social housing in Ballymena for some time now and in particular regarding the provision of units on the old St Patrick's barracks site.

There are currently 47 houses there and it is a terrible waste to see them lying empty whilst negotiations are ongoing between a British military department and a local Housing Association. I hope that these will conclude soon and that we can start to deliver on this site's massive potential.

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Social Development how many social housing units her Department plans to build on the St Patrick's barracks site in Ballymena, if it is acquired by an appointed Housing Association.

Margaret Ritchie : I can confirm that Fold Housing Association is currently in negotiations with Defence Estates to purchase 47 existing properties at St Patricks Barracks, Ballymena.

There is also a Master planning exercise being carried out by DSD for the wider St Patrick’s Barracks site which covers approximately 42 acres. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive had expressed an interest in acquiring approximately 10 acres of this site to provide up to 200 housing units, most likely on a mixed tenure basis. This interest will be subject however to the feasibility and planning issues that are being considered as part of the ongoing master planning work.

Sinn Féin puts community at heart of Ballymoney rates work

2010-02-12T14:46:00.001Z

Below is statement our council group in Ballymoney has just released in regard to the striking of the rates there:

Sinn Féin has said that the work they carried out in negotiating the rates in Ballymoney over the past few months was centred on the need for rural ratepayers to get a fair deal and that community funding was protected. A number of Sinn Féin proposals to cut the rates further were not accepted but the party said that they were satisfied that they had secured projects and funding which would benefit communities.

Cllr Anita Cavlan said

“In past years Sinn Féin has voted against the rates because we believed that money has been wasted unnecessarily and that many areas, in particular rural areas, had been neglected. A number of Sinn Féin proposals to cut the rates further were not accepted this year but I am satisfied that we have secured a good deal for rural ratepayers.

“We fought for the inclusion of £4,000 for community festivals and money has also been set aside for community based events such as the Special Olympics, Armoy Races and ‘Roon the Toon’.

“The original rate presented to us by council officials was 24%. We have worked to bring this down to just over 7% and would have liked to have it got it down further but there are significant costs which have to be incurred in relation to waste management, Landfill Directives, etc.

“We have met with community groups across the district regarding proposals for community facilities and we hope to secure a commitment to provide some of these over the coming months.”

Rasharkin Councillor Daithí McKay welcomed funding set aside for community facilities:

“£30,000 will be set aside for Drumbolcan Park in Rasharkin as well as a number of significant community projects in rural parts of the district. We will continue to work with other parties on the council to ensure that these commitments are secured and work goes ahead.

“The TUV proposal to cut community relations funding comes as no surprise and we made it quite clear that such a cutback was unacceptable. Our proposal was supported by all the other parties on the council and that is to be welcomed. This proposal from Councillor Patterson is unsurprising given the prehistoric politics that her party espouses."

Dunloy & Cloughmills Councillor Philip McGuigan added that further cuts could have been made:

“We proposed that the budget for councillors to go on conferences be cut completely. It has instead been cut back to £3,000 approx. For our part we will not be using this allowance, I haven’t used this allowance in my nine years serving on council and the Sinn Féin group believed that this would have been an easier cut to stomach than others. We also proposed that the Mayor’s allowance and Twinning Association funding be cut.

“I welcome the fact that bonfire clearance funds has been reduced from £8,000 to £4,000. I don’t believe that ratepayers want their money spent on this and more work needs to be carried out to mitigate against such an expense.

“Cloughmills is somewhere where there is a need for more community facilities and I believe that we are now moving toward realising that goal on the basis of talks with other parties on the council.

“In my nine years of council work the co-operation seen between the parties has never been greater and that demonstrates that local representatives are working together more on the basis of equality. That is to be welcomed but we are not naïve and recognise theres still a great deal of inequality and sectarianism within local politics which needs to be tackled. However we are moving in the right direction.”

Recycling at the Assembly

2010-02-04T18:08:00.004Z

Below is a question I put to the Assembly Commission at Question Time on Tuesday. The Commission revealed that the Assembly is to start recycling food waste later this year:

Parliament Buildings: Recycling

5. Mr McKay asked the Assembly Commission what measures are in place to encourage recycling in the Assembly. (AQO 709/10)

Mr Neeson: I am aware that Daithí McKay has a keen interest in environmental issues in the Assembly. He has submitted quite a number of written questions to the Commission.

Measures to encourage recycling in the Assembly include the use of recycling points and awareness communications to staff. Recycling points are sited throughout Parliament Buildings and at Annexe C in kitchens and in most offices. Items to be recycled include office paper, newspapers, magazines, coffee cups, plastics, food and drinks cans and glass. The Assembly also recycles cardboard, electrical equipment, batteries, toner cartridges, printer consumables and cooking oil from kitchens.

Postmasters are issued periodically to encourage staff to recycle the waste that they generate. Additionally, e-mail messages and updates in team briefs are included to reinforce that message.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mr Neeson for his comprehensive answer. A number of MLAs also serve on councils and are aware of recycling targets that are set for councils. Has the Assembly Commission considered being more proactive in that field and setting targets for the Assembly?

Mr Neeson: The Member’s question has two aspects. First, figures that are provided by waste contractors suggest that about 35% of waste generated in Parliament Buildings is recycled. Do we want to increase that percentage? The answer is yes. Measures are planned to improve recycling rates and signage at recycling points and to introduce additional recycling points and waste streams to be recycled. For example, it is hoped that food waste recycling will be introduced in March or April 2010.

Castlereagh & Dungannon only Councils not to publish minutes online

2010-02-03T15:18:00.002Z

Given recent political events there is a renewed focus on the importance of transparency in local government. I have put a number of questions to the Environment Minister and am disappointed that two councils still do not publish minutes of their meeting online - Castlereagh & Dungannon, the Castlereagh case I was already aware of. It is encouraging though that the Minister has taken concerns on board and now plans to bring forward proposals under local government reform which will ensure that minutes of meetings are published henceforth:

To ask the Minister of the Environment if he plans to ensure that all councils publish up to date minutes of council meetings on their websites.

It is my intention, as part of the local government reform programme to bring forward proposals that will provide for increased transparency in the operation of councils, including the publication of council minutes.

To ask the Minister of the Environment to list the councils that do not publish minutes of council meetings on their websites.

Castlereagh Borough Council and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council do not publish minutes of council meetings on their websites.

To ask the Minister of the Environment to list the councils that have failed to respond to Freedom of Information requests from members of the public in (i) 2007; (ii) 2008; (iii) 2009; and (iv) to date in 2010.

District Councils in Northern Ireland are listed as distinct public authorities in paragraph 36 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Department has no advisory or monitoring role in relation to the Councils’ performance under the Act. Consequently, information on how many requests have not been answered by Councils is not held by the Department.

Moyle musings

2010-02-02T15:20:00.002Z

The latest diary contributions from Moyle Council Chairperson Cara McShane:

WEEK 17

The huge disaster this week which has been widely reported in the media, and I am not talking about the allegations against our local politicians, but the devastating earthquake to hit Haiti. The situation for Haiti was already difficult before the earthquake hit the island. Haiti is the one of the poorest countries in the world and is struggling to recover from years of violence, insecurity and massive natural disasters. More than half of the country's 9.6 million inhabitants are under 21 years of age. With tens of thousands of people killed and injured, and widespread destruction, it puts our own lives in to perspective and to appreciate the quality of life that we have in Ireland.

As I eased my way back into the swing of normal business again this week, The week began as usual with (a lengthy) council meeting. Us politicians sure do like to hear the sound of our own voices! I did this week get a chance to have a pleasant, relaxing evening in the Bushmills Inn as I joined other Councillors and Council Officers from Building Control departments in Moyle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Derry, to celebrate the retirement of Robert White, Group Chief Building Control Officer.

While the weather has been much milder these past few days, I would be mistaken to believe we are totally clear of the cold snap this Winter. I am pleased to say however, that there is an additional opportunity for Home Insulation for the people of Moyle. The additional places have been made available for home insulation (loft and/or cavity wall insulation) through the Warmer Ways to Better Heath Scheme (which has re-opened for referrals). Those eligible are owner occupiers or private tenants. Income eligibility:

- Single person household with an income/pension less than £18,000 gross a year or
- Couple with an income/pension less than £25,000 gross a year or Parent(s) with dependent children living at home and an income/pension less than £25,000 gross a year
- Over 70 years of age, irrespective of income.

Any work carried out through the scheme will be at no cost to the householder or
landlord. For further details contact the Energy Efficiency Adviser (Moyle and
Ballymoney Councils).Tel: 028 2766 0257 or email:
warmerhomes@ballymoney.gov.uk

WEEK 18

As I write this I am not sure what is going to happen with the transfer of Policing and Justice powers or whether the political deadlock can be overcome. (When you are reading this, a decision one way or the other will probably have been made!). So as I hold my breath in anticipation I can’t help but have mixed emotions.
Despite some justifiable criticisms, the Assembly and All-Ireland institutions have carried out some very good work to benefit the people of this island. It would be a shame if further progress were put in jeopardy. Why shouldn’t local politicians have as much power to help effect change for the people they represent? Politics though here in Ireland is a complex business. Nothing is ever black or white but always some shade of grey.

On Tuesday morning I met with the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy. Along with Daithí McKay MLA, we met to discuss the ongoing issues around sewerage infrastructure in Ballycastle. NI Water has failed to negotiate on acquiring land and in the meantime the development of Ballycastle is thwarted until these very real concerns are addressed.

I was very grateful to be invited to a talk given by May Blood at the Ballintoy Parish Church last week. The event organised by the Bushmills Peace Group was really well attended and I am sure all those present, like me, were inspired whilst listening to her. Although coming from the Shankill and with very different political aspirations than myself, May Blood is a huge source of inspiration and motivation to women in politics and women who strive hard to improve the life chances of people from local communities.

Friday marked a ‘giant’ step forward in the development of a top class Visitor’s Centre at the Giant’s Causeway, with the announcement by Heritage Lottery Fund to commit £3million to the National Trust project. As Moyle District Council enters the final stages of negotiating a lease with the Trust on the site, the Council staff at the centre can be proud of their work at the Council’s facilities, which have been less than adequate since the fire destroyed the original Visitor’s Centre in 2000. Yet for almost ten years now, the service, hospitality and welcoming experience at the Causeway has been recognised by the numerous accolades bestowed on the Centre staff throughout the years. One tour operator, whose customers from all over the world have voted the Giant’s Causeway as the best visitor experience several times, summed up the magical formula experiences – Kiss. Keep it Simple and Sincere.

The Council has been in full flow this week discussing the rates estimates for the next financial year. Although we all cannot get everything we wish for, we will be doing all we can to ensure the people of Moyle continue to get the service they deserve, without too much of a financial burden.

Given to the large number of people interested in hearing more about the home insulation schemes in Moyle, which I had mentioned last week, I will be hosting public meetings in Cushendall, Ballycastle and Bushmills to discuss the schemes as well as benefits available for older people. Details of the dates and venues will follow in next week’s column.

Hopefully everyone has saw through the January blues and as I turned on the radio this morning, I hear (again) we are officially out of Recession. Let’s hope everyone notices a few extra pennies in their pockets and a brighter future.

WEEK 19

Deal or No Deal? As I listened to ‘Thought for the Day’ this morning on the radio, I heard Dr Ken Bishop talk about good and bad leadership. The past few weeks have been frustrating to put it mildly. I will let you draw your own thoughts as to good and bad leadership in this part of the world.

Well it is Monday evening and I have just arrived home from our final Council meeting to strike the rate for 2010/2011. For the first time in the history of Moyle District Council, we have set the rate at 0% increase. Given the current economic climate, this is a positive announcement for the ratepayers in Moyle. No cuts have been made to services and Council has laid out substantive capital works schemes throughout the District to improve facilities for residents and develop our tourism infrastructure. Despite often negative comments about Councils, this year’s rates estimates prove that Council staff and Councillors in Moyle have shown positive leadership, initiative and resourcefulness.

Last week, the Council’s Arts and Good Relations Departments hosted ‘Denial’ – a performance depicting the Jewish Holocaust and the modern day perspective on those events from over 60 years ago. The open discussion among the audience that followed the drama, brought to my attention the fact that this genocide was far from one in isolation and indeed similar atrocities could still be comparable today. The Gaza Strip is one potent example. The largest concentration camp in today’s world, this small piece of land in the Middle-East is a place where over 1 million people are incarcerated, as energy, food, health supplies and political power are controlled from ‘outside’ the walls of the Gaza Strip. For many people, the horrendous suffering of the Jews in 1945, has saw the victim become the perpetrator today.

As mentioned in last week’s column, Information seminars have been arranged on home insulation grants and benefits available for older people. The seminars will take place on the following dates:

Ballycastle - Tuesday 9th February @ 2pm – Mayor’s Parlour, Sheskburn
Bushmills – Wednesday 10th February @ 2pm – Community Centre, Dunluce Road
Cushendall – Thursday 11th February @ 2pm – Parish Centre

Moyle Council’s Energy Efficiency Officer and Access to Benefits will be in attendance. Everyone welcome!

On Saturday afternoon I joined Council colleagues, Madeline Black and Willie Graham, to pay a special visit to Tom McCollum as he celebrated his 102nd birthday! Tom lives just outside Mosside with his daughter, Mary. He is a great character and a picture of health, and would pass for a man 20 years his junior! Tom told me his recipe for long life was hard work and very little alcohol (I fail on both accounts!).

Finally I would like to wish Angela and Brian of Homestyle Interiors my best wishes as they closed up their shop on Ann Street for the last time at the weekend. A gift from President Mary McAleese to Tom on his birthday, read: Coigal aithinne d’aislinge – “Keep the spark of your vision lit” (from the poem 'Stout Oars by Máirtín Ó Direáin) Best wishes to you both in your retirement.

Moyle Council snubbed by Tourist Board

2010-02-01T15:51:00.002Z

Interesting Statement just released by Cara McShane, Chair of Moyle Council:

Sinn Féin Councillor and Chair of Moyle District Council, Cara McShane, has slammed the Tourist Board for excluding Moyle Council from a recent meeting in Coleraine, organized to discuss the vision for the North East area’s tourism industry.

The meeting was convened by the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Alan Clarke, and included officers from Ballymena, Coleraine and Larne Councils, as well as people from the private sector.

Cllr Cara McShane said:

“Moyle District Council area has a proud record of delivering the tourist product and has by far the largest number of tourist attractions than any other Council on this island. The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Rathlin Island, Bushmills Distillery, seven out of nine Glens of Antrim to name but a few of our popular visitor attractions.

"The Antrim Coast Road was recently voted as one of the top ten drives in the world, straddling mostly through Moyle Council area. The council’s Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway consistently voted the best visit by tour operators. Given these facts I find it extraordinary that Moyle Council was left off the invitation list for an NITB event about a vision for the North East's tourism industry.

“I see this as a blatant snub by the head of NITB and sends out a very negative signal to those people who strive to develop the tourism industry in Moyle and to the ratepayers within this Council area who pay for the upkeep and maintenance of tourist facilities, picnic areas, beaches, harbours, caravan parks and amenity sites for the thousands of visitors to our area.

“NITB has yet to provide a rationale or justification for this selective invitee list and that is both unjustifiable and unprofessional.

“Clearly people are outraged. With an increasing number of people diversifying into tourism within Moyle Council area, it is no surprise that many feel despondent and discouraged by NITB and this latest ‘stunt’ adds fuel to the flames of anger.

“I fail to understand how my Council colleague Councillor Price McConaghey with over 40 years tourism experience was overlooked, and both our Chief Executive & Head of Tourism.

“I have raised this with Daithí McKay MLA who has brought forward a series of questions to the Minster for Enterprise , Trade and Investment. I have also contacted members on the Assembly’s DETI Committee to have this issue raised at a meeting later this week and I also intend to have the matter discussed at the next full meeting of Moyle District Council.”

Irish street-signs still being blocked by Ballymoney Council

2010-01-29T19:21:00.006Z

Below is an excerpt from minutes of a Ballymoney Council committee meeting late last year. At it the DUP again voted to defer the implementation of the council's own bi-lingual signage policy as the requests submitted were for Irish language street-signs. Meanwhile in Moyle Council, where Sinn Féin are the largest party the first street signs in both Ulster-Scots and Irish have been erected. There has been no opposition from Sinn Féin to this because it would be wrong to dismiss or interfere with the wishes of local communities. The DUP tactic in Ballymoney Council, is in comparison, overtly sectarian.

27th October 2009

353.2 ERECTION OF STREET NAMEPLATES IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

At the request of Councillor Finlay, the Chair agreed to consider this item, deferred from the previous meeting, at the commencement of the meeting to facilitate his early departure to attend to personal matters.

The Director advised that occupiers of premises have initiated procedures for the erection of a street nameplate in a street in a language other than English in respect of six streets (two previously reported to Committee HES 351.14 refers), within the Borough as follows:-

STREET (DATE RECEIVED)
Carnfinton Park, Rasharkin (19.09.08)
Rhencullen Park, Rasharkin (17.11.08)
Rockview Park, Rasharkin (05.06.09)
Bamford Park, Rasharkin (18.06.09)
Hillview Park, Dunloy (01.07.09)
Valley View, Rasharkin (02.07.09)

Following completion of necessary preliminaries, the occupiers of premises were surveyed in accordance with the procedure set out in Council Policy – Naming of Streets and Numbering of Properties adopted on 5th February 2007. The number of valid responses and the percentage of respondents in agreement, in each case is as follows:-

STREET (% RESPONDENTS IN
AGREEMENT)
Carnfinton Park, Rasharkin (95%)
Rhencullen Park, Rasharkin (100%)
Rockview Park, Rasharkin (82%)
Bamford Park, Rasharkin (79%)
Hillview Park, Dunloy (90%)
Valley View, Rasharkin (100%)

As regards each location, it is the case that two thirds or more of respondents to the survey conducted support the erection of a sign in a language (Irish) other than English. Council’s Policy – Naming of Streets and Numbering of Properties adopted on 5th February 2007 states that (paragraph 8.7), where two thirds or more of respondents to the survey support the erection of a sign in a language other than English and that language is either Irish or Ulster Scots, Council will normally agree the request.

The format of the signage, which may be erected, was circulated. In accordance with the Council’s Policy – Naming of Streets and Numbering of Properties (adopted on 5th February 2007) IT IS RECOMMENDED that committee consider the applications and make a recommendation to Council. IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED where the cost of erection of such signage exceeds that of the current service budget, any applications approved will be dealt with in date received priority.

Having spoken to the Equality Commission, Councillor Finlay advised members that he had further questions he would like to put to their representatives. It was proposed by Councillor Finlay, seconded by Alderman Campbell and AGREED:
to recommend that Council write to the Chief Executive of the Equality
Commission inviting representatives to address the Committee on
issues relating to naming of streets in a language other than English
(Irish).

Irish Street Nameplates already erected in Moyle

Altananam Park - Páirc Allt an Anama
Tully Crescent - Corrán na Tulaí
Glenville Crescent - Corrán Bhaile an Ghleanna
Cairns Road - Bóthar na gCarn
Cairn View - Radharc an Chairn
Fairhead Road - Bóthar na Binne Móire
Cloghs Road - Bóthar na gCloch -
Broombeg View - Radharc an Bhrú Bhig
Cushendall Road - Bóthar Bhun Abhann Dalla
Kilns Road - Bóthar na nÁitheanna
Mill Street - Sráid an Mhuilinn
Ossian Avenue - Ascaill Oisín

Ulster Scots street nameplates already erected in Moyle

Causeway Road - Causey Road
Castlenagree Road - Castlecuddy Road
Clogher Road - Stany Road
Feigh Road - Plantin Road
Isle Road - Inch Road
Runkerry Road - Swelcheidlan Road

Sinn Féin select Westminster candidates for North & East Antrim

2010-01-25T18:27:00.002Z

Sinn Féin has selected their candidates to stand in North Antrim and East Antrim respectively in the forthcoming Westminster elections. Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan will stand in the new East Antrim constituency which will now include Cushendall, Cushendun and Waterfoot after a recent boundary change. I've been given the role of running for the party in neighbouring North Antrim:

“Sinn Féin has gone from strength to strength in this constituency in recent years and that is in no small part due to the high level of work which our members and councillors engage in on the ground and also the work which is carried out at the Assembly, both of which are of equal importance.

“As the largest nationalist/republican party in North Antrim we will continue to put the rights and entitlements of all sections of the community at the heart of the work that we carry out.

“This election will be a significant one as it will provide the opportunity for Sinn Féin to confirm its position as the largest party in the north, a party that puts unity, equality and rights at the forefront of its work and policies.

"The organisation is focused on the task in hand and we intend now to press ahead to increase our share of the vote and reinforce our position as the largest nationalist/republican party in North Antrim."

"The party here are now keen to get down to the job of putting an effective campaign together. We already have a committed team of councillors in Ballymena, Ballymoney and Moyle as well as a solid organisation on the ground.

"The next election will be an important one, one in which I will continue to campaign on the important issues that effect people’s daily lives within this constituency. The issue of adequate housing provision throughout North Antrim, tackling sectarianism and inequality, highlighting and tackling the drugs scourge, making our roads safer and generating much needed economic investment are all issues that we will continue to work on."

Cara's Column

2010-01-15T22:01:00.003Z

The latest goings-on in Moyle Council from Cara:

Week 15

Well that’s Christmas over for another year. It was great to get the break, relax, spend time with family and friends and have a few nights out. I hope Santa came to all the good citizens of Moyle and that you all had a peaceful Holiday.

2010 also means the end of the ‘noughties.’ It is only 6 days into the New Year though and I have already broken 3 of the 4 resolutions I made for 2010. (I have never been strong in the will power department). That said I’m really looking forward to all that lies ahead this year. It will be a challenging time for Moyle Council as we move closer to the new Super councils and much work has yet to be done. We also have elections to look forward to. ( Everybody loves elections don’t they??). Obviously there is still lots of work to be done at the Assembly to ensure that all of us living here in the North can experience better prosperity than we had in 2009. On a personal note I still have 6 months left in my role as Chair and there is still an awful lot of things I would like to do before June comes round.

I did have a few things to do over the break including a visit to the Bushmills Inn. Along with Cllr Robert McIlroy, we met with the proprietor, Alan Dunlop, and one of the managers, Aileen McIlroy. On behalf of the Council, we visited the superb facilities in Bushmills and passed on our congratulations to Alan and the team. The Bushmills Inn is the first hotel on the Causeway Coast to have been awarded Four Stars by the Tourist Board. As we were given a tour around the hotel, it did not surprise me that the hotel has won many accolades, with a warm open-fire to greet you on arrival, charming and luxurious accommodation and wonderful local hospitality.

Over the Christmas break, I had an opportunity to take some time out to visit the Nursing and Residential Homes throughout the District. The elderly within our community are precious. It is important for all of us to look out for the elderly and vulnerable within our communities, particularly given the recent spate of attacks on people in rural and isolated areas.

While I was in the Homes and speaking to some of the elderly residents about their life, families and experiences I couldn’t help but think of how small the world has become for people of my generation. Mobile phones (texting obviously!), the internet, facebook, skype, even x- box live, mean that we can maintain constant contact with our friends and family no matter where in the world they should be. What will we be using in 20 years from now I wonder? ( When I get booted off the council I’ll be looking to present a new version of ‘ Tomorrow’s World’)

Week 16

A week is a long time in politics. That was never truer than the week that has just passed. It started off calm enough but after revelations, interviews and Spotlight it ended anything but calm. How it all ends up only time will tell.

I watched the film this week about the David Frost interview with former American President Richard Nixon ironically. The whole ‘Robinsongate’ saga along with the film made me think about the different political viewpoints people have. I am not talking locally about Nationalism or Unionism rather Liberalism, Socialism, or Conservatism. Isn’t it funny that when you meet someone involved in politics or see them on television you can almost immediatley tell what views they will have based on their personality.

Obviously I am biased and clearly being human everyone has faults and frailties but Liberals and Socialists seem like nicer people with more personality! Would you rather have a night out or dinner with George Bush or Obama? George Bush Senior or Bill Clinton? John Bruton or Albert Reynolds? Margaret Thatcher or Tony Blair? Peter Robinson or Martin Mc Guinness? Anyway I did say I was biased but I know my choices easy enough. I am also aware that many of you reading this might disagree with my choices but each to their own as the saying goes. Who would vote for George Bush or Margaret Thatcher?

There have always been scandals in politics as long as politics has existed, but people tend to react more compassionately when those involved have exhibited compassion themselves in their roles. However, the main focus for our Politicians in the Assembly is not to be distracted, but to ensure progress on outstanding issues from the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreements.

Anyway thankfully the snow has cleared and I can get to work without an extra hour on my journey. It really has been the coldest period I can remember (I’m not very old before I get lectured about the year of the big freeze!)
I nearly had one of those Hamlet cigar moments this week when I called with a local lady to discuss the problems they were having with the frosty conditions. I parked my car, got out, went to her door, was listening to her tell me of the difficulties and treacherous conditions for driving when the next thing you know my car is sliding backwards down the hill. I looked to the sky to see when Superman was going to appear but to no avail so I just panicked instead. Luckily this was a farmyard and the cattle grids helped to slow its momentum and a crisis was averted. Let’s just say I completely agreed with her problem after that!

I was in the North Antrim Community Transport offices the other day in Ballycastle. This service is a great asset to our local community particularly as the town is being stripped of its health provision. In particular I was asked to highlight the ‘Dial a Lift’ scheme. This scheme offers a door to door service for individuals living in rural areas who are unable or find it difficult to use public transport. It can be used for shopping, going to see the doctor, pharmacy, post office, etc and is free to those who hold a Smartpass. Definitely this is a great idea and people should take advantage of it. For more information please call 028 2076 8960.

Just before Christmas, I met with North West Electronics, a local fixed wireless company, to discuss their plans at developing and expanding their existing network across to North Antrim, to provide broadband coverage and services in areas including Ballintoy, Straid, Portbradden, Dunseverick, Mosside, Lagavara and Maghercashel.

As I finish this column, I have just heard that North West Electronics were successful in their application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment under the Broadband Fund for North Antrim. This is great news at the start of the New Year and will certainly be welcomed. More details will be available on the project in terms of commencement date within the next few weeks.

A possible ban on the use of snares?

2010-01-15T14:11:00.005Z

Earlier this week the Assembly debated the Second Stage of the Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill. The full debate can be accessed here. One issue I raised was the fact that the proposed legislation coming from the Minister did not outlaw snaring totally. However in his response the Minister states that he would not be unsympathetic to banning the use of snares. The Bill now goes to Committee stage and given that Sinn Féin, SDLP, UUP, DUP (Jim Wells), Alliance and Green party members spoke in favour of such a ban one cannot rule out the possibility of it being included in the final version of the Bill. The photograph below is of a domestic cat which found itself caught in a snare.

Mr McKay: Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle.

I echo what other Members said and stress that it is important that all legislation protecting Irish habitats and wildlife is fit for purpose. This is an opportunity to enhance that protection.

As someone who has seen a basking shark up close — not too close — off the coast of Rathlin Island, I welcome clause 9, which will create a new offence by prohibiting anyone from intentionally or recklessly disturbing a basking shark. Basking sharks are an important element of the marine environment off the north coast of Antrim.

As my colleague Cathal Boylan outlined, Sinn Féin notes proposals to strengthen legislation on snares. Indeed, I raised that issue with the Minister only a couple of months ago. My party believes that snares should be outlawed altogether, and I look forward to deliberating on clause 10 during the Bill’s Committee Stage. Some groups may foresee difficulties in enforcing the proposals in that clause, so it will be important to address those concerns. I welcome the comments that Members from other parties made about snaring.

The negative animal welfare impact of snaring far outweighs any argument to retain snares as a form of predator control. Snares are indiscriminate and often capture animals that they are not intended for, such as domestic pets, farm animals and protected wild animals. A complete end to the use of snares will end the suffering of animals that are caught but are not the target, and it will be far easier for the Department to enforce.

We should also take into account the fact that snares capture European-protected species as well as schedule 5 species, the trapping or killing of which is illegal. It is quite clear that there is a lot of work to be done on clause 10, and I look forward to deliberating on that aspect of the Bill in Committee.

Obviously, the Wildlife Order 1985 needs updating. The Committee should also look closely at the inclusion of certain species in the schedules. An opportunity exists to enhance the protection of birds that are under severe threat, such as the curlew, lapwing and redshank. Other species of bird, such as the peregrine, osprey and red kite, reuse the same nest sites and, as other Members have pointed out, they are at risk if their traditional nests are damaged. Those species should therefore be added to the list of birds whose nests should be protected on a year-round basis. I agree with Chairperson’s comments on that issue.

I believe that the public overwhelmingly support the introduction of custodial sentences for those involved in targeting and killing such species of bird, especially given the fact that so much work is being done to build up the population of bird species such as the red kite. Members are correct to say that a lot of the legislation being referred to today is out of date and out of step with public opinion. There is an onus and responsibility on us, as representatives, to update that legislation accordingly.

I look forward to the Bill coming before the Committee for scrutiny. I welcome the opportunity to listen to the views of the many interest groups involved and to further strengthen the Bill, because a degree of work still needs to be done.

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Poots): On limited occasions, snares may be appropriate, although I find them very distasteful and have real difficulties with them. I am not unsympathetic to Members who said that we should have an outright ban on snares. Other Members said that there should be stiff licensing of snares, and I am not unsympathetic to that either.

European Court rules against use of Stop & Search powers

2010-01-12T19:45:00.004Z

Below is a statement I have just issued in response to today's ruling by the European Court of Human Rights :

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board Member, Daithí McKay, has welcomed today’s ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that police powers to use laws to stop and search people without grounds for suspicion are illegal. Mr McKay said that the PSNI should now suspend the use of Section 44 powers

Mr McKay said

“The European Court of Human Rights today said that two people from London had their rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights violated. This violation was a direct result of the two being stopped and questioned in 2003 under Section 44 of the British Government’s “Terrorism” Act.

“The PSNI used the same legislation to stop hundreds of people last year, most of who were not arrested or charged. Many of those stopped and harassed in a number of these cases were stopped because of their political opinion/background. This abuse of power amounts to political policing and damages the credibility of police forces that use them as well as community relations. This is a view that is shared even with the British Government’s own independent reviewer of this legislation.

"Already in England it is accepted that the use of section 44 powers has a negative impact on relations between the community and the Police. The Metropolitan police reviewed the practice of using Section 44 powers and announced their intention to cease their use.

"It has since been revealed that police in Hampshire, in England , are to follow suit and suspend the use of Section 44 powers after figures showed no arrests under Section 44 were made despite a huge increase in the numbers of stop and searches.

“The PSNI should now review its use of Section 44 in light of these facts and the ruling from the European Court of Human Rights that it is illegal. The continued use of this legislation, which allows police officers to stop people "without reasonable suspicion" is a flagrant abuse of human rights. ”

South East Antrim UDA weapons remain a threat

2010-01-06T17:20:00.001Z

If today's statement is verified by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning then it is a substantial move forward.

However nationalists and republicans will remain concerned about the fact that the South East Antrim ‘brigade’ of the UDA is yet to disarm, a group which is active from Belfast to North Antrim .

If today’s mainstream UDA statement is verified the South East Antrim wing will be the most significant loyalist group yet to disarm and pressure should be exerted accordingly.

McElduff makes Youtube debut..

2010-01-05T19:36:00.002Z

I see that West Tyrone's Barry McElduff has made his Youtube debut. In it he discusses the "Philistine Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister" whom he holds to account:

Picked this up at www.westtyronesinnfein.com.