On foot of the Prime Minister’s declaration of intended constitutional reform across the United Kingdom, the TUV has challenged the PM to address the fundamental democratic deficit which exists in Northern Ireland, namely the denial to the people, under mandatory coalition, of the basic democratic rights to vote a party out of government and to even have an Opposition.
Commenting TUV leader Jim Allister said, “If the Prime Minister is serious about meaningful constitutional reform, then, he needs to begin by bestowing on the people of Northern Ireland the basic democratic rights which are taken for granted in Scotland, Wales and every democratic country. In Northern Ireland it’s not more powers we need, but the fundamental right to change our government and have an Opposition. I see the constitutional review which HMG has promised as a golden opportunity to press this unanswerable case. I urge all democrats to lend their support and trust other parties will join in making these elementary demands.
“I have today written to the Prime Minister setting out the case for such essential reform.”
Below is the text of Mr Allister’s letter to the PM:-
Dear Prime Minister,
I, and all unionists in Northern Ireland, join in your delight at the rejection by the people of Scotland of the break up of our United Kingdom.
Looking forward you have promised constitutional reform for all of the United Kingdom. To most areas that probably means more devolved powers, but in Northern Ireland there is a more fundamental democratic deficit to be addressed.
It is taken for granted in Scotland and Wales, and indeed throughout the democratic world, that the voters can change their government and enjoy the democratic imperative of having an Opposition. But, in Northern Ireland – in this United Kingdom, where basic democratic values are cherished – we are denied those fundamental rights, because of the import of ‘mandatory coalition’.
I respectfully suggest any constitutional change in the UK cannot dodge addressing this manifest democratic deficit.
The First Minister of Northern Ireland has already acknowledged that the structures built on this system are “unfit for purpose”. The constant deadlock makes that self evident.
The demand for change is not about avoiding cross-community government, it is about the restoration of these basic democratic rights. Voluntary coalition, even with the protection of a workable weighted majority, and an Opposition are essential if Northern Ireland is to join in meaningful constitutional reform. We cannot continue as a place apart where the people cannot enjoy these fundamental rights.
Just as you will not afford the SNP a veto on constitutional change in Scotland, so you should brook no veto from any vested interest in Northern Ireland to bestowing on its people the fundamental rights to vote a party out of government and have an Opposition.
I trust you will grasp this nettle.
Yours sincerely,