Pessimism about Government, but local optimism for 2006

12.28.50pm GMT Fri 23rd Dec 2005

Alliance Leader David Ford has said that he looks forward to the New Year with

a mixture of optimism and pessimism.

David Ford said:

"Despite the difficulties for Northern Ireland in recent months, there are

many positive signs for the coming year. There is a big challenge for

Government in building the positive and reducing the negative.

"On the wider front, we ended 2004 in a period of depression, following

the failure of the Government to agree a deal with the DUP and Sinn Fein.

We end 2005 in much the same mood: whatever the facts of the Stormontgate

affair, the refusal of Government to agree on a judicial enquiry does

nothing to restore confidence.

"The failure to get Stormont working is enormously frustrating. It is

frustrating to those MLAs who want to get on with the work and represent

their constituents. It is also frustrating for the citizens of Northern

Ireland who see so many wrong decisions being taken by direct rule

Ministers.

"I want to see the Assembly working to start to tackle real issues,

bringing local knowledge to replace the remote control mechanisms of

direct rule. Ministers are failing to deal with local concerns on fair

water charges, the rates system, public transport, rural development,

the health service and education.

"However, despite these failures, I believe that there has been

substantial progress in this area, in Antrim, Ballyclare and Newtownabbey.

"Throughout South Antrim, there has been a significant improvement in the

local economy, with low levels of unemployment and significant

improvements in commercial activity. The rate of new house building

demonstrates the attractiveness of our area.

"While there are many challenges ahead for our Councils, both Antrim and

Newtownabbey are gearing up to face the future.

"Alliance will continue to work hard on some of the core issues. Councils

will face substantial new responsibilities in two new areas. Sustainable

Development is all about living in tune with the environment, whether

protecting the natural world or reducing the impact of daily life.

"There will also be new duties to work towards creating a Shared Future,

in which we can all live and learn, work and play, together in safety.

This will build on existing community relations work, but make it a

priority across all services.

"The challenge for our Councils - both staff and Councillors - is to grasp

a strategic vision for the future and play a significant part in community

planning, working with other agencies.

"This requires a strong working partnership locally. Despite my feelings

of pessimism because of the failures of Ministers, I am optimistic that

local people are up to the challenge."