In the face of unprecedented challenges and strains on resources and finances, like the pandemic, charity and voluntary organisations have really stepped up – often providing life-changing services for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. The third sector has continued to deliver for people across Northern Ireland since March 2020. However, this has left many organisations in a difficult position.
The pandemic hit charities in several ways. Firstly, it cut off many vital fundraising opportunities overnight. With the closure of charity shops, trading ceased and with no footfall in high streets or shopping centres, street collections were suddenly stopped. Simultaneously, the demands on the key services delivered by charities and voluntary organisations increased sharply. Charities have already done more with less for much of the last two years and have limited capacity to do so again. Charities are under severe strain and due to the political instability are now facing an increasingly uncertain future.
It’s important that politicians recognise the role of charities in serving people and that the value of what the sector delivers is properly acknowledged by political decision makers. We want to ensure that the sector sits at the heart of the recovery planning process.
Right now, we are seeing the immense impact and value that charities and voluntary groups bring to our society. We are facing a real cost of living crisis with many families struggling to pay fuel and food bills.
Charities deliver life-changing services for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our communities on a daily basis. But many of those organisations need greater support from our political leaders.
The Assembly and the Executive are ultimately forces for good for Northern Ireland. A quick look at some of the recent issues and legislation debated at Stormont before its dissolution include climate change, children and adoption, gambling harm and reform, organ donation, welfare payments and housing. These are issues which touch on all our lives but significantly impact the most vulnerable and most marginalised in our society.
It is in everyone’s interests that Stormont is fully functioning and positively delivering for our communities. Ahead of the election, it is vital that our political representatives hear loud and clear this important message – the return of the Executive in its full form after May 5 is our number one priority. Political instability helps no-one – charities especially. It only serves to insert an unnecessary and unwanted level of uncertainty and anxiety around the long-term sustainability of our charity and voluntary groups, and the important services they provide.
VALERIE McCONVILLE
Chief Executive, CO3
Truth always first casualty of war
It is so true that the first casualty in war is the truth. The eight years of conflict in Ukraine – now escalated to a punishing military assault by Russia – is a testimony to the blame game oratory from all sides. The ordinary people of the world are trapped as horrified and helpless spectators to the death, pain and destruction of our fellow human beings in Ukraine.
While the western media and government’s clamour to praise the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the conduct of this war, others like myself wonder why no-one has challenged him for leading their country to this terrible devastation. Do we replace pragmatic diplomacy and engagement with acting skills and nationalistic rhetoric?
I also condemn the Russian president Vladimir Putin for invading the sovereignty of Ukraine (Britain, US, Nato etc. are also serial invaders but they never get sanctioned or condemned). Russia and Ukraine must seek dialogue and de-escalation over conflict to end the terrible suffering of innocent people.
The war in Ukraine has clearly shown the double standards of the western powers when they so easily ignore or minimise the suffering of helpless people and refugees if they come from an Arab, Asian, African or South American nation. It is disgusting that with so much poverty and humanitarian need in our world that the major powers can spend trillions on circulating weapons of destruction on our planet just to maintain their supremacy.
It is time for true global intermediators to step in and help end this war in Ukraine (and all wars). We need to create a fairer world where truth, justice and equality reign over ignorance, greed and intolerance. Glory always to God and Peace.
MICHAEL HAGAN
Dunmurry, Co Antrim
Incorrect assertions
James Martin made several incorrect assertions in his letter – ‘Local politicians lack vision’ (April 5). The reason GB suppliers were not prepared for the NI Protocol was a total failure by the Tory government to issue detailed trading guidance. These advance notices were repeatedly requested by business leaders.
The EU did not trigger Article 16. To date neither side has acted so unwisely, which would only lead to further complex negotiations. The protocol will not be repealed but modified to accommodate problems. British foreign secretary Liz Truss has now more important issues than the price of sausages or small pot plants across the Irish Sea.
From March 23 fuel duty was reduced by 5p per litre. Vat at 20 per cent remains unchanged. The fuel duty lower rate applies in Northern Ireland. If James is paying the higher rate then he should urgently change supplier and stop moaning.
BRIAN WILSON
Craigavon, Co Armagh
Russian victory – what then?
Irrespective of the morality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are the US, the West, the EU, Nato, the UN, or the world at large prepared to accept, on geo-political reasoning, a Russian victory over the whole or part of Ukraine?
If so, why has so much assistance, short of direct military involvement, been given to Ukraine? Many deaths and much infrastructural damage could have been avoided if Russia had been allowed to take over Ukraine as easily as it took over Crimea.
Ukraine cannot hold out indefinitely against its more powerful aggressor. If Ukraine falls the assistance given will have been wasted. The highlighting of Russian atrocities and the possible use of chemical weapons, true or false, suggests that Ukraine’s backers are seeking an excuse, or are being provoked, into getting more involved. If they do it must leave no scope for retaliation by Russia against the homelands of the participants. To avoid further Ukrainian casualties, the attack targets would have to be on Russian soil. Could that be achieved without the use of weapons of mass destruction? If Russia wins this war and proceeds to take over other independent territories, at what point, will the un-united United Nations unite and take action?
DENNIS GOLDEN
Strabane, Co Tyrone
