Alliance News 2002-0102

for a peaceful, stable and truly democratic society

january& february 2002

Enough is enough: the people unite against sectarianism Inside: Prime Minister to act on Alliance concerns over designations

january & february 2002 The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland 88 University Street Belfast BT7 1HE Phone: 028 9032 4274 Fax: 028 9033 3147 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.allianceparty.org Leader: David Ford MLA Deputy Leader: Eileen Bell MLA President: Colm Cavanagh Chair: Cllr Tom Ekin Vice Chair: Cllr Jayne Dunlop Chief Whip: Cllr Kieran McCarthy MLA

The Alliance Party's vision of Northern Ireland ... ... is of a permanently peaceful, stable and truly democratic society, which cherishes diversity and is committed to human rights, equality of citizenship and social justice.

Alliance puts people first We aim to replace sectional politics and to create an inclusive, fair, prosperous and peaceful society through innovative and distinctive policies.

Get well soon, Sean!

FORMER Alliance leader Sean Neeson is well on the road to recovery after he was taken into hospital over the New Year holiday. Sean, who has been working constantly since he stepped down as leader, has been home again for some time and expects to be back at work sometime soon. Following his stay in hospital, where he was given excellent care, Sean wrote to the Prime Minister to remind him that the Health Service here was still under severe pressure and needed proper funding. You can read his comments below. Everyone at Alliance sends Sean their best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Neeson tackles Blair over Health Service funding EAST Antrim Assembly member Sean Neeson has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair to express his concern at the state of the Health Service in Northern Ireland, and to ensure that the necessary funds are provided. Mr Neeson said that the Health Service was in such difficulties that people were now prepared to pay more tax in order to resolve long-term problems. Mr Neeson said: “During my recent illness I received excellent treatment and attention in Whiteabbey and the Royal Victoria hospitals. However, I am acutely aware of the unacceptable waiting lists and staff shortages that have created the present crisis in hospital services throughout Northern Ireland.

We aim to expand the centre ground by maximising the number of elected representatives at every level of government and creating and sustaining a vibrant and effective party organisation. 2

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“Furthermore, there is a second major crisis, as community services for the most vulnerable people in our society have been destroyed because of a lack of funding. “Having spoken to many people over many months, I am convinced that a majority of people would be prepared to pay a reasonable amount of extra taxation to bring the Health Service up to modern standards as has happened in other European countries. “Throughout East Antrim in recent years we have seen a major reduction in hospital services and it is very clear that Antrim Hospital at present cannot cope – even with Whiteabbey continuing to provide important medical services. “There is an urgent need to devise both short-term and long-term strategies. However, the Assembly is curtailed in its public spending by the block grant from Westminster and the fact that it does not have tax-raising powers. "This is a national question and I hope that the Prime Minister and the Government will respond positively to my request.”

PUBLISHED BY: Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

for a peaceful, stable and truly democratic society

People cry out for an end to sectarianism THE sickening sectarian murder of postal worker Daniel McColgan in January sparked a wave of revulsion rarely seen in Northern Ireland. As tens of thousands of people gathered in the pouring rain in towns and city centres to take a stand against sectarianism, a clear message was sent out to the paramilitaries--enough is enough. Alliance was well represented at the main rally in Belfast, with a number of councillors and MLAs standing shoulder to shoulder with the public. Alliance Leader David Ford said the rallies demonstrated a huge level of opposition to sectarianism and paramilitary organisations. Backing the ICTU call for all paramilitary organisations to disband, Mr Ford said: “The need to tackle sectarianism is a real issue for thousands of people in Northern Ireland, and the massive rallies

illustrated just how strongly ordinary men, women and children feel about this social cancer. “Clearly there is a real need for all of us in the Assembly to redouble our efforts to putting an end to sectarianism.” Despite attempts by the DUP to dissuade the public from turning up, the only dampener was the weather. Cllr Stewart Dickson said: “ If Ian Paisley Jr was trying to undermine Friday’s rally against paramilitarism, he was sadly mistaken." Despite the rallies, sectarianism, terrorism and intimidation has continued. One of those who suffered directly was trade unionist Gerry McCullough, pictured at the Belfast rally on the front cover (picture courtesy of Niall Carson). His family was forced from their North Belfast home just days afterwards. Alliance has its work cut out in the fight against sectarianism.

EDITORIAL While the Good Friday Agreement has a number of strengths, a fundamental weakness was its failure to identify continued sectarianism and segregation as fundamental problems in Northern Ireland society. If anything, the Agreement further institutionalised communal divisions, especially the notion that the people of Northern Ireland are irrevocably divided into two separate communities. Since the Agreement, sectarianism and segregation have actually got worse. The problems in North Belfast best highlight the problems both for domestic and international audiences. Recent research by academics such as Peter Shirlow and Peter Boal underline the degree of segregation on the ground today. More peace walls, to keep people apart, have been erected since the ceasefires than were built before. The political leaders of Unionism and Nationalism have singularly failed to tackle these problems. Perhaps, they are incapable of grasping the problems, including the very real threat posed to the Agreement itself. Too much emphasis is placed upon managing the divisions in our society rather than even trying to resolving them. This is short-termism at its worst, and only stores up problems for latter. It is not enough to only tackle the immediate manifestations of problems, such as Holy Cross, without addressing the root causes. Even community relations policy has been overtaken by this warped logic. Alliance has now voted against two consecutive Programmes for Government from the NI Executive for their failure to adequately address the number one problem facing Northern Ireland--our continued and festering divisions. Our foresight is becoming increasingly recognised as more and more commentators wake up to the unfinished agenda from the Agreement. The situation is not all depressing. There is an increase in the number of Protestants and Catholics who refuse to define themselves as either Unionists or Nationalists. (Where does this leave the rigid Fair Employment monitoring criteria now?) Mixed marriages are on the rise. In Great Britain, the new debate on racial relations highlights concerns over segregation, on a much less intense basis than in Northern Ireland. As we look towards the Assembly elections in 2003, Alliance has the ability to campaign on the issues of tackling sectarianism and segregation that should be our strong points.

Cry for peace: The murder of Danny McColgan sparked a wave of revulsion

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january & february 2002

A chance for real human rights for all THE Alliance Party has said that Northern I r e l a n d ’ s proposed Bill of Rights offers an opportunity for the most modern and advanced set of human rights protections in the world. Alliance Justice Spokesperson, Councillor Stephen Farry, was speaking as the party published its response to the draft Bill of Rights issued by the Human Rights Commission. The party has welcomed the majority of the recommendations, but expressed concern at a number – in particular the suggestion that a right to funding for segregated schools should be entrenched. Dr Farry said human rights were universal and inalienable. "Human rights belong to the individual citizen, and this bill offers Northern Ireland the opportunity for the most modern and advanced set of human rights protections in the world.

“It seems that the Commission has mostly avoided this danger, particularly through refusing to recognise an undefinable ‘parity of esteem’. Care is necessary to ensure that this remains the case,” he said. “Alliance also strongly endorses the proposed right that people have a right to be treated or not to be treated as part of a community, and that no disadvantages should arise from such choices. “We also advised the Commission to stick as far as possible with existing European and international standards, and bring them into British law. It seems that where the Commission has departed from these most it has sparked most controversy. “Alliance is outright opposed to the suggestion that there be a guaranteed right of funding for segregated schools. This goes well beyond existing European standards that merely respect the right to establish separate schools – but not necessarily with government funding. These standards also require religious and

linguistic diversity to be reflected and accommodated in the public school system. “While it is open to the Executive to fund segregated schools as at present, this should not be institutionalised forever. But this proposal risks entrenching segregated schools in Northern Ireland forever. Alliance has instead recommended that a right not to be educated in a segregated system be included in the Bill of Rights. “In the equality and nondiscrimination section, Alliance was disappointed that a right to live in a neutral environment – similar to the existing right to work in a neutral environment – was not put forward. The ghettoisation of Northern Ireland contributes to social exclusion, and deprives people of opportunities.” The Alliance Party response to the draft Bill of Rights can be viewed on the Party's website: http:// www.allianceparty.org (go to Key Documents).

“This proposed Bill of Rights is bound to create much debate. Alliance welcomes the majority of the recommendations, particularly those on the rights of children. However, we have a number of concerns.” Dr Farry said Alliance’s initial submission to the Commission warned of the danger of entrenching sectarian divisions through creating group rights for Unionists and Nationalists. Human Rights Commissioner Brice Dickson

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for a peaceful, stable and truly democratic society

Action needed now ALLIANCE Deputy Leader Eileen Bell MLA has said the Prime Minister has given a commitment to act on the party’s concerns about the Assembly designation and voting system, which caused a crisis during the election of a First and Deputy First Minister in November. Speaking after Alliance’s meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street, Mrs Bell described it as “very constructive”. Mrs Bell said: “Alliance outlined to Mr Blair the problems with the current voting system and designations, and our proposals for reform. We impressed upon the Prime Minister that Alliance could not redesignate to save the Assembly again and that the onus is now on the two Governments and other parties to fix the problem before the next crisis. “The Prime Minister appreciated the scale of the problem and the likely threat to the future of the Assembly, and he has undertaken to examine the issue in greater detail and respond to us.” The Alliance delegation - Alliance Leader David Ford,

The Alliance team in Downing Street last month

General Secretary Stephen Farry and Mrs Bell - also discussed the ongoing issue of the Government’s proposed amnesty for terrorists ‘on the run’ while paramilitaries continue to forcibly exile people from Northern Ireland. “We argued that guarantees should be sought for those forcibly exiled by paramilitaries allowing them to return safely to Northern Ireland. Mr Blair was also told that those seeking to benefit from an amnesty should admit their guilt in court before being released on licence.”

Battle against designation goes on ALLIANCE Party Leader David Ford has said the battle for equality in the Assembly will go on, despite the failure of the Strand One Review to move away from a discriminatory voting system. The Review had been called in the aftermath of three Alliance MLAs’ temporary redesignation last November, which allowed a First and Deputy First Minister to be elected on a second vote. Mr Ford said: “Last November the Assembly voting system broke down. Despite over 70 percent of MLAs voting for David Trimble and Mark Durkan as First and Deputy First Minister, the sectarian voting system could not deliver. "Alliance reluctantly agreed to patch up the system by allowing three of our MLAs to temporarily redesignate as Unionist. Our action was vindicated, as we helped to save the Agreement from collapse. But a patch-up job is no substitute for proper repair. That is why the Government convened a Review of Strand One of the Agreement. "There was a real onus on those who benefited most from the successful re-election – the UUP and SDLP – to

propose meaningful reforms to ensure that a similar crisis is avoided when we next have Assembly elections in May 2003. Instead, the UUP, SDLP and Sinn Fein not only failed to come with their own proposals, but dismissed both recommended changes and subsequent compromises from Alliance, the Women’s Coalition and PUP. “The issue of the voting system has now been deferred to the Agreement’s Comprehensive Review, where Alliance will continue the battle for equality. Despite some prodding, the Government has not yet said when this will begin. The clock is running towards the next crisis – it’s time for the Government to name the date. "Alliance cannot understand why certain parties agreed to a Review without realising that legislative changes would be required. It seems bizarre for the parties to have agreed to a single-issue review if they did not believe that anything could change. "The Alliance Party Council endorsed redesignation as a one-off act. But we have made it clear that Alliance cannot repeat this move to save those who refuse to save themselves.”

january & february 2002

Sadie's energy will be sadly missed SADIE Hall, who died at hospital on 26 January, was a long-time member of South Belfast Alliance. Until recently she was Association Secretary, representing first Botanic and latterly Laganbank Branches. Sadie’s interests and contribution to Alliance transcended Association matters. She was a familiar figure at Party Office organising the assembling and dispatch of Alliance News and election literature. Aided by a band of willing helpers, Sadie kept a series of General Secretaries on their toes in ensuring that deadlines were achieved. The prowess of Sadie’s fundraising was legendary. She knew everyone and enjoyed roping in donors to social gatherings in South Belfast.

Members attending the Annual Conference will recall with pleasure the cake stall with Sadie Hall and Birgit Kirkpatrick. Sadie’s political interests were manifold and her instincts finely honed. Coming from a Labour background - her father was a trade unionist - her sympathies were with the underprivileged from an early involvement with Alliance. Her stories were many - often a dull committee meeting was enlivened by tales of past elections involving legendary figures like Basil Glass, David Cook and John Cushnahan. When I last saw her in hospital, Sadie was overjoyed at the election of David Ford and Eileen Bell. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of her husband Eric, and the understanding of a devoted family. Sadie Hall will be missed by those who were fortunate to know her, and all who benefited from her boundless enthusiasm and energy. By John Campbell

'A warm-hearted, open-minded man' ALL of us who knew John Haslett will remember him as a very warmhearted, faithful and open-minded individual. We will also remember him as someone who did nothing by half. If something was worthy of John’s talents, it got his full-time attention; he could be very passionate about it. In his days as a teacher, John left a distinct mark on an amazing range of pupils, who are now to be found far and wide in many parts of the world. Quite by chance, I met two very different ladies in the space of two weeks who spoke very highly of their old teacher. One is now a district commander in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the other is one of the excellent nursing staff who looked after John so well in the Erne Hospital over his last eight days. One of John’s passions was the cricket club. Many happy memories will always remain of Mr President proudly entertaining in the clubhouse. But John had two main passions in life: his music and the Alliance Party. Derek 6

and I met John through the Alliance Party nearly twenty years ago. In many respects John was the Alliance Party in Fermanagh. As time took its inevitable toll of others, John was left alone, carrying the party banner, proudly and, at times stridently, in the South West. He stood for the local council, and for Fermanagh/South Tyrone at Westminster, on a number of occasions. In more recent times, he filled the role of Agent with enthusiasm. In politics, as in all other aspects of life, John was open-minded, friendly with political opponents, able to mix with all, even those with whom he disagreed absolutely. For many years, John was an influential member of the party’s central executive, driving the lonely road between Kesh and Belfast at least twice a month, after a day’s work, to attend what were not always very good or inspiring meetings, without any complaint. If there was a byelection anywhere in Northern Ireland, John was there.

John Haslett: A true friend to Alliance

During one campaign in Bangor, we fondly remember coming downstairs one morning to find John asleep on our settee, our cat fast asleep on top of him, both totally at peace with the world! In John Haslett, we all had a good friend, a true friend and a totally genuine friend. He will be sadly missed. By Eileen Bell

for a peaceful, stable and truly democratic society

No need to be n-euro-tic about the euro, argues new Party Organiser transparency of seeing how much items cost at a glance without fiddling with conversation rates should be welcomed. Even those within the business sector are beginning to see Alliance in Europe: McCullough urges support the positive effects of a single JANUARY 1, 2002 and not only do currency, such as the cost to UK we welcome in a New Year of business of converting rates of stability in the Assembly, but once exchange with business partners again our politicians are at odds within Europe and the cost of with each other. stationery having the euro and No, it is not the usual sectarian sterling prices included. rhetoric, in fact they are actually Even Kosovo and some other arguing over a topic that effects us Balkan states have introduced the locally, nationally and euro and as the European Union internationally. grows then we should embrace Yes, it is the euro, and the changes that would benefit all. question about whether the UK I feel that in Northern Ireland if should enter this union of common we do not lobby for the inclusion currency. of the single currency we will be I don’t see what all the fuss is heading for an economic disaster. about. Most European countries are We suffer at present with high already working with a currency prices for imported goods, that has notes of similar value to traditional industries disappearing the new euros from fives to 500’s. so why beat ourselves with a big So why all the fuss? We changed economic stick, when we to decimal in 1972 from pounds, should be embracing this shillings and pence. Now we are change? being asked to change from sterling As for losing the pound, to euro. Already the Republic of consider the fact that each Ireland has welcomed the change country has a national and even in border towns shop emblem on one side of the keepers are trading in euro’s, note/coin and a common punt’s and sterling. European emblem on the The fact that twelve countries reverse. As a party unafraid are committed to the new currency, of positive change we should the steady improvement of the rate be more forceful in our against other currencies and the support of the Euro.

Tommy McCullough I WOULD like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to Alliance in my new role as Party Organiser. My name is Thomas McCullough and I live in North Belfast after moving from Glengormley, where I lived for 18 years. On arrival in North Belfast I decided to get involved in politics and after looking at all the parties I felt that the only party I could fully support and work with was Alliance. I became a committee member of North Belfast Association when Gerry Lynch was in the Chair. After his departure I was then asked by the committee to become Chair, which I agreed to last year. I have also been a member of the Party Executive for a couple of years, and after the problems of 2001 I feel that we now have a opportunity to put the party back where it belongs – at the forefront of real politics in Northern Ireland. At Party Council in December, the General Secretary outlined a brief strategic plan to set us on course for the next elections in 2003. I hope to keep you all informed of our progress in the coming months. I look forward to meeting you in the days and weeks to come.

'Euro would benefit Northern Ireland'

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for a peaceful, stable and truly democratic society

january & february 2002

Strangford Association

Lagan Valley Association

32nd Annual Conference 7 - 8 April 2000

Your Events Diary looks like ... Castlereagh Association

Table Quiz 15 February at 7.30pm Venue: Tullycarnet Bowling Pavalion Tickets £5 on 9061 0693

Castlereagh Fair 11 March 1-3pm Venue: Tullycarnet Bowling Pavalion

Sale and Auction Saturday, 16 February at 8pm Venue: 1 Glenavy Road, Lisburn Contact Maire Brown for tickets on 9061 0693

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'Into the West' 1 March Venue: Comber Private Cinema Contact Jim McBriar Tel: 9044 8454

Conference 2002 - Advance Notice The 32nd Annual Alliance Party Conference will be held this year in the Quality Hotel, Carrickfergus on Saturday 13 April. Please note that the Conference will run all day Saturday only. Provisional Agenda 10.00am President’s Address 10.30 Motions 11.00 Panel Discussion: Anti-Sectarianism 12.00 noon Welcome to Guests 12.15 Guest Speaker 12.30 Party Leader’s Address 1.00 Lunch

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Fringe Meetings Motions Panel Discussion: The Future of Education Conference Closes Conference Dinner

Please note that in addition to the floor events, there will a number of Fringe Meetings, and a large Exhibition involving a number of local public affairs organisations. Tickets for the dinner are available from HQ at £20 per head, or £190 for a table of ten.

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Postcode: Telephone: E-mail: Return to: Alliance HQ, FREEPOST, BEL 1357, BELFAST, BT7 1BR