Cameron: Northern Ireland voters have say like never before
Thursday, 25 June 2009
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Voters in Northern Ireland can have a say in forming the next Government — and show support for change at Westminster, Conservative leader David Cameron argues today.
Writing exclusively for the Belfast Telegraph, the man tipped to become the next Prime Minister rejects claims his party’s links with Ulster Unionists risks undermining the power-sharing administration at Stormont.
Attempting to build on the success of the two parties first joint candidate, Jim Nicholson, in the European elections — he was the first unionist elected, ahead of the DUP’s Diane Dodds — Mr Cameron also reiterated his hope that the project will not just draw support by Protestants and unionists.
Less than a month after announcing in the Belfast Telegraph he plans legislation to end ‘double-jobbing’, the Tory chief said Northern Ireland MPs have little or no say on issues including taxes, pensions and welfare, as well as social and foreign policy.
“In less than a year’s time, people across the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to give their verdict on Gordon Brown’s discredited Government and vote for change at Westminster. People in Northern Ireland can play their part in that by supporting the only candidates that can help to form an alternative Ggovernment to Labour – the Conservatives and Unionists.”
Denying that the introduction of national politics risks devolution, he added: “I do not want to be Prime Minister of just England, but of the whole United Kingdom.
“It follows that the government I lead should seek to draw on the talents of people from all parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.”
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ChrisM
What do you have against foreign nationals?
Posted by Ella | 01.07.09, 19:42 GMT
ChrisM, I'm sure D. Cameron takes an interest in NI politics. Just like US leaders interest in
Iraq, Israeli interest in west bank,gaza, China's interest in Tibet, Russia's interest in
Chechnya, or Turkey in Cyprus and so on and so on.....
Posted by Fergal C. | 26.06.09, 17:01 GMT
In fairness Evergreen, I think your paranoid side swipe at the English belies your own prejudice!
Posted by Steve | 26.06.09, 15:11 GMT
Ah yes, I can just see him having a pint with the lads down the Shankill or Falls Road and telling them how he will sort out the Paddy problem - even if it has been 800 years in the making.
Posted by Evergreen | 26.06.09, 13:39 GMT
Steve, his education wasn't much of an asset with his recent English paranoid side swipe at the great German people. Still, it may pull him a vote or two...
Any sign of a claim to Irish blood line yet ? God NO !! - a chap has to have SOME principles. Scots grandfather though - near enough I suppose.
Posted by Evergreen | 26.06.09, 12:53 GMT
Fergal C,as a British citizen Mr Cameron has every right to to take an interest in Northern Irelands politics.Unlike our so called education minister who is a foreign national.Our own politicians are hardly doing a good job are they?
Posted by ChrisM | 26.06.09, 11:54 GMT
David Cameron is a laugh. He would get my vote just for his recent joke he made about the I.D cards "vere are your papers" lol. Anyway the Labour party may as well be a crap version of the Tories, they sold out under Blair. Who is on the record for saying"once you get into power you see that is is the right that has ideology" what a complete sell out. Bit like Adams singing God save the Queen or Paisley singing the Soldiers song. Actually they should sing them for charity, comic relief.
Posted by Michael Falkes | 26.06.09, 11:42 GMT
Evergreen, I would have thought that an education from one of the world's best universities would be considered an asset for the potential future leader of one of the most important nations in the world!
Posted by Steve | 26.06.09, 11:00 GMT
Well said Fergal C.
David Cameron - Eton and Oxford, and the mentality to go with it - need I say more ?
Reminds me of all the "Irish" presidential candidates of the US who come out of the woodwork to pull votes from the 40 million Irish Americans. Even Obama - an excellent President - was at it.
Posted by Evergreen | 26.06.09, 08:46 GMT
David Cameron should keep his nose out of NI politics and stick with the
Country he was born and lives in. He'll never live in or care about
NI. He only cares how it will help him be pm. Leave NI to the people who
Care about it.
Posted by Fergal C. | 25.06.09, 19:21 GMT