THIS is something a party leader wouldn’t ordinarily say. Nevertheless, I think someone has to say it. The great danger in this election is boredom.
The great danger is that turnout continues to fall, that people don’t feel that their vote on May 5 is important and that things stay the same. Since the peace we have talked ourselves into a good deal of that boredom.
For a time, that was maybe no bad thing. In fact it was natural. Our politics was no longer a crucible of just life and death, the stakes were thankfully no longer as high.
There comes a time though when that too needs to end. We are all grateful for the peace but we can’t be expected to stay forever grateful. Otherwise our politics will stay forever bored.
The SDLP’s plan for government is designed to build beyond the boredom. Our plan is designed to finally bring proper politics to Stormont. We have key pledges for government which we won’t waver from.
We will ensure that government departments are required to follow strict targets over the next five years for increased investment in job creation, infrastructure and further education in areas which have been left behind. This is the SDLP’s 'Fairness' promise.
We will spread wealth, work and opportunity right across the north, not just to certain areas. In government the SDLP will also reverse the executive’s cuts to places at third level institutions and cut tuition fees.
We’ll invest in additional university spaces, meaning 2720 new places in total. We will also significantly increase the number of apprenticeships available.
The story of Ireland has too often been a story of emigration. This SDLP plan will invest in the future of our young people. We will give them the chance to train, work and build a home here.
To help working families, the SDLP will increase pre-school childcare provision from 12.5 hours per week to 20 hours per week in our first year, with a view to further increasing it to 30 hours. Parents deserve a break from the crippling costs of childcare.
The SDLP’s ‘Strong Start Fund’ will provide £250 to every child born in Northern Ireland as a starting contribution to a long term tax-free savings account.
This will be topped up at aged 10 with an additional £250 and we will explore with other parties the option of a third top up at aged 16. Our plan will give every child born here the chance to build for their financial future.
The SDLP will not accept the situation where our older people face living the twilight of their lives in fear. Our final pledge will ensure that those who attack the elderly receive custodial sentences.
These plans are costed and they can be delivered. We’re determined to deliver them in government.
This election is a chance to break free from the boredom. It is a chance to endorse credible and progressive policies. On May 5, vote to build a better future.
