UUP leader calls for proper opposition
The Ulster Unionist leader has called for an end to mandatory coalition government at Stormont by 2015.
In a speech to the business community and the party’s election candidates, Tom Elliot slammed the Executive, saying its system of government needs an overhaul.
He set out his vision for a system of devolved government, which includes introducing an official opposition and a reduced number of MLAs, from 108 to 70.
Mr Elliott said parties need to prepare for a system of “proper government” after the Assembly elections in May.
“Within the Programme for Government there needs to be agreement that we will work to a process, that we will have a proper government and proper opposition by 2015 and clearly that sets the stall for the next four years and puts a huge onus on the Executive and the Assembly to deliver on that, he told UTV.
“The Ulster Unionist Party believes that maintaining the status quo and being content with relative political stability is no longer good enough and if pursued as an end goal by political parties, will put at risk all of our futures.”
“What we need is a step change in our economic policies and a fundamental change in how, as a Government, we deliver those policies.”
His proposals have been met with mixed reaction at Stormont.
