“More people than ever before voted TUV in 2014, confirming that our analysis of how and why Stormont is failing is resonating deep within the democratic community. The fact that it took 11 weeks of crisis talks to patch up the Executive structures is evidence in itself of its inherent unworkability. Only the glue of self interest and massive loans holds it together. It is still unfit for purpose.
“As we move through 2015 TUV will continue to press the message that institutions which defy the basic democratic imperative of allowing the electorate to vote a party out of government, will never bring good and durable government. All of which is building towards TUV’s goal of dramatically increasing our MLA quota in the 2016 elections. Give TUV 76,000 votes and more in that election and Stormont will never be the same again. Then the creation of a real Opposition would be unstoppable.
“TUV having championed the cause of Opposition, it is notable that in the recent DUP/Sinn Fein Stormont House deal the first steps towards permitting a form of opposition were conceded. More is needed, but the door is opening.
“Just as within Stormont in 2014, though a single voice, I succeeded in winning the legislative change which gives pension parity rights to RUC widows, so, TUV will remain alert to every opportunity to make a positive difference. Likewise, with an increased foothold in local government, we will make our presence felt in 2015.
“For now, inevitably, the primary role of TUV in Stormont is to shine the searchlight into its dark corners of squander and failure, but, our ultimate goal is to secure devolution that works. A coalition of the willing, agreed and delivering on the economy, health, education, and challenged by a vibrant Opposition, with every election an opportunity for the voters to change their government. Then, instead of voter decline we’d have a democracy that works. That is the democratic dogma to which TUV holds. “