Speaking at the launch of the TUV Election Manifesto, Jim Allister said:-
“Here we are in Northern Ireland, where government is in meltdown and chaos, the opportunity may arise at Westminster after the election to force the issue of democratising Stormont, and yet TUV is the only party even raising the matter. And, this despite future devolutionary arrangements emerging as key business of the next parliament.
“Some, who are part of the woeful failure of government at Stormont, talk grandly about influencing government in the whole of the United Kingdom, but have no interest in using the situation to compel the structural changes necessary to make government work back home. Instead their interest is in getting a new tranche of money to pay off the latest ransom demand from Sinn Fein on welfare.
“This election and the business of government-making provide the perfect illustration of the strength of the TUV’s case against mandatory coalition. Just as the prospect of the people of the UK in a free election opting to change their government underscores the totalitarian denial of that right to the people of Northern Ireland when it comes to Stormont.
“If the Stormont system was applied at Westminster, then, despite the election, Cameron, Clegg and Milliband would all end up in Downing Street, with no Opposition. How absurd. How unworkable, as we witness day, after day at Stormont. Yet TUV alone makes the case for democratic voluntary coalition plus Opposition at Stormont, such as is likely to evolve at Westminster.
“Clearly, by our distinctive approach we are the real alternative in this election.
“Moreover, TUV provides the vehicle for voters to say loud and clear, ‘Enough is Enough’.
“Enough of the catastrophic failure of the Stormont regime.
“Enough of the spiralling debt spawned by the Executive, now reaching £1.8B for this small part of the UK.
“Enough of the constant pandering to insatiable Sinn Fein, be it on OTR favours, Royal pardons or unaffordable welfare demands.
“Enough of the destructive control of education by Sinn Fein dogma.
“Enough of the parties of failure that have brought us all this.
“Nationally, there is one all important consideration for TUV – the liberating of our nation from the clutches of the EU. Not just from the net cost of £10B per annum, but liberated to control our own borders, our own immigration policy, our own trade agreements, our own social and economic policy.
“Hence, our strong support for an early In/Out Referendum. That is essential to the rebirth of our nation.”
You can read the manifesto online here.