The Good Friday Agreement brought with it a wave of promise and possibility. I was 18 back in 1998 and full of hope. Thankfully, countless lives have been saved and violence on our streets mostly curbed. However, much of the promise of 1998 remains unfulfilled.
The peace process has been a largely political process and with little opportunity for people to deal with the trauma of the troubles, that trauma has become intergenerational. There has been little semblance of a meaningful process to deal with the legacy of our violent past.
Politically, our institutions have been collapsed for almost 40 per cent of the time since 1998. There has been little progress on lifting those communities worst affected by the Troubles out of poverty and disadvantage.
The health service that carried us through the pandemic is at the point of collapse. We face a housing crisis due to the repeated failure of Executive parties to deliver affordable and quality housing. Lack of reform and investment means that other public services are creaking or at breaking point.
Environmentally, Northern Ireland stands at risk of becoming the dirty corner of Europe. Our per-capita emissions are the highest of these islands. Every year, over 7 million tonnes of raw sewage is dumped into our waterways. Every single one of our rivers, lakes and coastal waters has failed to meet basic water quality standards. Northern Ireland’s polluted air contributes to the death of around 800 people each year. We are the 12th worst region in the world for biodiversity loss.
It shouldn't be this way and it does not have to be this way.
Northern Ireland can be greener, cleaner and our society can and must be fairer. Local government can help people in their everyday lives through the provision of public services that are efficient, sustainable, and equitable.
The promise of 1998 can be delivered on, but that requires a return to inclusive politics and parties that can work together in the best interests of the people. A three-party political block wasn’t envisioned by the architects of the Good Friday Agreement and isn’t working for the people facing a cost-of-living crisis today.
The Green Party NI’s vision is for a greener, cleaner, fairer Northern Ireland for all.
That means accessible parks and green spaces across all communities. Protecting biodiversity and our beautiful natural environment. Leading on community owned energy to keep bills down and energy costs in the hands of communities.
Clean streets across our towns, villages and cities, free from litter and dirt. Clean air to breath and safe seas to swim in. Clean politics which encourages transparency in our political system where citizens can see how and where their rates are spent.
Fairness with resource targeted at vulnerable communities, fuel poverty schemes and every council and their suppliers a living wage employer to lift people out of poverty.
Your vote in this election can help deliver a greener, cleaner, fairer Northern Ireland.
