Speaking at a public meeting in Saintfield on Monday night in support of TUV Strangford candidate, Stephen Cooper, TUV leader Jim Allister contrasted the right of the people to change their government at Westminster, but not at Stormont.
In the course of his remarks Jim Allister said:-
“On 7th May this year voters across the UK will, if that is their wish, have the right to change their government. What a contrast with 5th May next year – if Stormont lasts that long – when, like second class citizens, voters in Northern Ireland will elect a new Assembly, but be denied the democratic right which exists worldwide to change their government. Across the world the right to vote a party out of government is a manifestation of democracy in action, but not here.
“Why? Because of the perverse structures of the Belfast Agreement, which through anti-democratic mandatory coalition deny voters here that basic democratic right and, even, denies the right to an Opposition. Little wonder Stormont is such a shambolic failure.
“TUV alone has championed the need to democratise Stormont, while others sustain its unworkable structures for the sake of office. Herein, an essential difference between Jim Shannon and Stephen Cooper. Mr Shannon supports terrorists in government by supporting a system that perverts democracy. Whereas, Stephen Cooper demands equal citizenship and democratic rights across the whole of the UK.
“Just imagine if the Stormont system applied at Westminster. Cameron, Milliband and Clegg would all end up in Downing Street, with no Opposition. How absurd! How unworkable, as Stormont demonstrates, as it lurches from crisis to crisis. Yet, this is precisely the system which Mr Shannon and Mr Burgess support here in Northern Ireland. TUV alone denounces and rejects such parody of democracy and provides the sole effective voice of opposition in Stormont.
“And, of course, by reason of the very nature of the system, the answer to every Stormont crisis is more concessions to Sinn Fein. What Sinn Fein wants, Sinn Fein gets from the DUP, as the price of keeping Stormont going.
“Now, the DUP is looking for another billion from Westminster. Why? So, they can pay the latest ransom demand from Sinn Fein on welfare!
“Are you fed up with this constant pandering to SF? I certainly am. Think of it, a Royal pardon for Gerry Kelly and comfort letters to 200 On the Runs. It is by using your vote that you can be heard on these issues. Make TUV your strong voice. Strong on the Union. Strong in opposing Sinn Fein. And strong in standing up for what is right. Fight back on May 7th by saying Enough is Enough. Vote TUV.”
TUV Strangford candidate Stephen Cooper said:
“TUV stands as the real alternative in Strangford. We alone are arguing for radical changes to the system of government. It is hypocrisy of the highest order for the DUP to say they will have nothing to do with a government propped up by the SNP at Westminster because of the damage it would do to the Union while at the same time they have elevated Sinn Fein/IRA to the very heart of government at Stormont!
“It is clear that people can see through the DUP and are looking for a fresh approach, not the stale old politics of the past which have so obviously failed. TUV offers people the chance to vote to shake things up. I am confident that many will avail of it next month.
“In 2005 the DUP stood on a manifesto which said that mandatory coalition with Sinn Fein was “out of the question”. That remains my position and pledge to the people of Strangford.”