Opinion

DUP’s warnings and cautions on protocol shouldn’t be ignored

The new drafting of the protocol for Northern Ireland proves that the DUP were right to stick to their guns because they got a better deal. They refused to be sold a pup or a pig in a bag and wanted clarity – clarity which was not there previously.

The DUP refused to be bullied, coerced, or pressured into saying yes to a deal the British government ironically are now belatedly glad to see was rewritten, despite their criticism of the DUP in refusing to budge.

The EU’s arrogance in refusing to negotiate further, not the DUP’s intransigence, appeared to be a substantial part of the impasse.

We now know that the old protocol was not the only game in town and further negotiation was indeed possible, despite the propaganda from the EU.

It is important to get it right because the protocol represents a very important moment in the UK and EU’s history. It will be the lynchpin for trade into the future and will have an affect on everybody’s life on these islands because of the arrangements which have been made.

Notwithstanding, there may still be a long way to go before a deal is finalised and warnings and cautions from the DUP should not be ignored. It is good also to see spirits being raised that Northern Ireland will become one of the more productive parts of the UK or the most – and not the worst in terms of output previously. It is hopeful to see something very good can come out of something very bad.

Some suggest Northern Ireland may become one of the most productive places in the world, given its unique position between the UK international market and the single market under a new deal – provided outstanding matters are cleared up.

The issue of the ECJ having jurisdiction over Northern Ireland will not be an issue at all if a precise deal gave Northern Ireland certainty because disputes would be less likely. People should not judge the DUP too hard in their fight for a better deal for Northern Ireland despite the deadlock for so long on the protocol.


However, if the protocol is at some stage to their satisfaction and all matters have been ironed out, it will be incumbent upon the DUP to execute it by re-establishing the executive and making devolution work.

Otherwise they will lose face and credibility surely.

MAURICE FITZGERALD


Shanbally, Co Cork

Sammy Wilson’s words of wisdom

Like many, I suppose, I was shocked and stunned (even other adjectives might apply) at reading the report around Sammy Wilson and his insulting yet indeed fearless remarks about HRH King Charles. Many might remark where indeed has the unionist unquestioning loyalty gone? Those of the unionist persuasion in Northern Ireland (the previous majority) should take time to reflect on the thoughts of that great Anglo-Irish writer George Bernard Shaw on pondering the English Mutual Admiration Society, ie those who venerate the blessed union. Shaw prophesied the pronounced current hesitancy within the unionist family, especially the DUP leadership. Shaw wrote:

“If you offer him nothing for his loyalty except the natural superiority of the English character, you will – well try the experiment and see what will happen.” Indeed, there is possibly room for a research project aimed at demonstrating that perhaps northern Irish people are not intrinsically English.

Indeed, with regards to Mr Wilson’s remarks, an indigenous Shropshire discourse might claim:

“There will be challenges going forward”. But as my granny would have said,

“There will be skin and hair flying.” Indeed, the outcome could be disastrous for Sammy. He may never become Lord Wilson, or indeed Sir Sammy.

TONY CARTON


Lisburn, Co Antrim

Health Service transformation

Only a few weeks ago on BBC’s The View, the DUP’s Paul Givan stated it was critical to transform the health service and in order to do so, there needed to be a dedicated focus on implementation of the process.

It was therefore disappointing to see his DUP colleagues and others recently protesting against such proposals for an enhanced and modernised urgent care centre at the Ulster Hospital.

On that same programme, the UUP’s Alan Chambers said while Robin Swann delivered quite a bit of transformation unfortunately more had fallen by the wayside due to the lack of an Executive.

The question must then be asked as to why a UUP representative was at that same protest?

Meanwhile, the SDLP’s Colin McGrath used The View to complain about the lack of political leadership needed in order to bring about health transformation. And of course, an SDLP representative attended the same protest.

While Alliance raised concerns with the Trust on issues relating to staff, parking and communications, we firmly believe proposals for a new, multi-disciplinary, consultant-led Urgent Care Centre operating seven days a week will improve patient experience and health outcomes for local people, which is the most important thing. There have been warnings the health service is facing change or collapse. Alliance knows what we want to see. Do others?

PAULA BRADSHAW MLA


Alliance Party

DUP continuing its journey on ever-narrowing path

Sometimes, amidst the daily noise, it is beneficial to take a few steps back to better understand where unionism is now.

One hundred years ago it jettisoned one-third of Ulster and formed a majority control which will never happen again. Large swathes of the unionist family then said no to numerous major political moves and their influence in a vastly changed world was always weakened as a result.

The DUP now have major problems with ‘their’ king and ‘their’ government which easily bought and sold them during this latest episode. Now they face decisions which will impact the entire unionist community (and many others).

Will the Democratic Unionist Party continue their journey on an ever-narrowing path, becoming the metaphorical ‘Donaghadee Unionist Party’? Just asking?

DR BILLY LEONARD


former MLA, Kilkee, Co Clare