STRANGFORD Assemblyman Kieran McCarthy has urged Northern Ireland’s new government to speed up the process of establishing a civic forum.
The Alliance Party representative said that such a body would help boost the peace process and make the assembly more “accountable”.
He said that, with community, business and voluntary representatives on board, the people of Northern Ireland would help create a “much better” future.
And Mr. McCarthy further claimed that - when the new structure is finally up an running - the people of County Down will also have an important role to play in its implementation.
“Assembly members may have the duty of governing Northern Ireland - but the people will also have an important role to play,” explained the Assemblyman.
“I firmly believe that a civic forum, where members of the assembly and the population work together, would be of vital importance to the people of Northern Ireland.
“We know that the civic forum is high on the agenda of the assembly members - but it’s essential that the tempo of this process is increased.
“We have seen how successful the partnerships involving the business, community, voluntary and political sector has been in recent years - and this must continue.
“I think that the people of Northern Ireland and the people of Co. Down will all contribute positively to the civic forum.
“For it is clear that all of our assembly members should make moves to establish this body where everyone can have their say on how we are governed.”
Showing posts with label Kieran McCarthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kieran McCarthy. Show all posts
29 September 1998
15 December 1997
The disabled "must not be made scapegoats": McCarthy
Alliance Party Spokesman on Disability Issues, Alderman Kieran McCarthy, has re stated his criticism of the Labour Governments intention to reduce benefits payable to disabled people.
Alderman McCarthy said:
“This weekend we have had further conformation that the new Government are to examine and if necessary reduce the financial allowances paid to people with disabilities. It is very easy for Tony Blair to claim that he wants disabled people in work. The reality however, is that work is often unavailable or inappropriate for many disabled people.
“The disabled must not be made scapegoats in the same way as lone parents have been in order to insure that this new Government meet the right wing commitments of the conservative government of which they were so critical when in opposition.”
Alderman McCarthy said:
“This weekend we have had further conformation that the new Government are to examine and if necessary reduce the financial allowances paid to people with disabilities. It is very easy for Tony Blair to claim that he wants disabled people in work. The reality however, is that work is often unavailable or inappropriate for many disabled people.
“The disabled must not be made scapegoats in the same way as lone parents have been in order to insure that this new Government meet the right wing commitments of the conservative government of which they were so critical when in opposition.”
06 December 1997
McCarthy praise for Kircubbin residents
Ards Alliance Councillor Kieran McCarthy has praised the residents of a County Down village for opposing a Department of the Environment plan to build a major sewage plant between Kircubbin and Greyabbey.
Alderman McCarthy, who is a member of the Stormont Talks Team and Strangford representative at the Northern Ireland Forum, claimed that residents from Kircubbin were “vehemently” opposed to the scheme.
The Kircubbin Councillor, who attended a special protest meeting at Downpatrick’s Rathkeltair House last Wednesday, insisted that concerned villagers would continue to oppose the plan from “every angle”.
Mr. McCarthy and Friends of The Earth representative Mr. Dennis Reid held a brief meeting with DoE officials at Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick last Wednesday and over 100 letters of objection and a petition with 200 names were presented to planners.
The Kircubbin delegation was also joined by around 100 of the village’s placard and banner weilding residents and school children.
Mr. McCarthy, who will be seeking clarification from the DoE at his next Council meeting, described his meeting with planners as “constructive”, but said that residents should continue with the fight to have the plans shelved.
Alderman McCarthy said: “I would like to commend the villagers from Kircubbin and the surrounding area for taking such a firm stand on this issue. Their level of support has been tremendous.
“I was surprised to see so many people at the protest meeting at the Planning Office in Downpatrick - it simply demonstrates the level of opposition that the plans have generated.
“Everyone from Kircubbin to the shores of Strangford Lough are determined to prevent this scheme from going ahead. If the plan goes ahead, then it will be very close to our homes, schools and play areas.
“And any tankers taking away sludge from the expanded sewage works will put the lives of the residents of Church Avenue, Church Grove and Boyd Avenue in jeopardy. However, villagers will also face environmental and noise problems.
“I understand that residents are determined to step up the pressure to have the plans abandoned and they have already gone back to the drawing board. I would also call on the DoE to go back to the drawing board and reinstate confidence among the villagers”.
Alderman McCarthy, who is a member of the Stormont Talks Team and Strangford representative at the Northern Ireland Forum, claimed that residents from Kircubbin were “vehemently” opposed to the scheme.
The Kircubbin Councillor, who attended a special protest meeting at Downpatrick’s Rathkeltair House last Wednesday, insisted that concerned villagers would continue to oppose the plan from “every angle”.
Mr. McCarthy and Friends of The Earth representative Mr. Dennis Reid held a brief meeting with DoE officials at Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick last Wednesday and over 100 letters of objection and a petition with 200 names were presented to planners.
The Kircubbin delegation was also joined by around 100 of the village’s placard and banner weilding residents and school children.
Mr. McCarthy, who will be seeking clarification from the DoE at his next Council meeting, described his meeting with planners as “constructive”, but said that residents should continue with the fight to have the plans shelved.
Alderman McCarthy said: “I would like to commend the villagers from Kircubbin and the surrounding area for taking such a firm stand on this issue. Their level of support has been tremendous.
“I was surprised to see so many people at the protest meeting at the Planning Office in Downpatrick - it simply demonstrates the level of opposition that the plans have generated.
“Everyone from Kircubbin to the shores of Strangford Lough are determined to prevent this scheme from going ahead. If the plan goes ahead, then it will be very close to our homes, schools and play areas.
“And any tankers taking away sludge from the expanded sewage works will put the lives of the residents of Church Avenue, Church Grove and Boyd Avenue in jeopardy. However, villagers will also face environmental and noise problems.
“I understand that residents are determined to step up the pressure to have the plans abandoned and they have already gone back to the drawing board. I would also call on the DoE to go back to the drawing board and reinstate confidence among the villagers”.
29 October 1997
Minister's visit to Ards Council useful: McCarthy
Peninsula Alderman, Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the Minister for Political Development’s forthright assurances given to Councillors at last week’s meeting with Ards Borough Council members. Even though Mr Paul Murphy is not long in office, he seems to have a real grasp of the problems associated with Northern Ireland, from the underfunding of health and education, to the need for more local involvement in running Northern Ireland’s affairs.
Alderman McCarthy, as the Alliance representative for Strangford constituency at the Castle Buildings talks, has been in regular discussion with Mr Murphy, and said that the Minister’s response to the varied questions put to him set out in clear terms what we all have to do to reach an agreement. Mr Murphy explained that the most important part of the present political discussions is the agreed setting up of a Northern Ireland Assembly, representative of all parties where locally elected people can have responsibility for running the affairs of Northern Ireland.
There also has to be a good constructive and workable arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic, and the third element of the discussions must be the relationship between Ireland and Britain.
Mr Murphy reiterated once again that the Principle of Consent of the people of Northern Ireland was paramount and it is up to the elected representatives of the people to work together to bring about consensus. If and when that agreement comes about, Mr Murphy and his other ministers and go home, and Northern Irish politicians can exercise their responsibilities by running the affairs of Northern Ireland in a fair and equitable manner.
Alderman McCarthy hoped that all council members will play their part in supporting Mr. Murphy and his colleagues to bring about a resolution of our problems.
Alderman McCarthy, as the Alliance representative for Strangford constituency at the Castle Buildings talks, has been in regular discussion with Mr Murphy, and said that the Minister’s response to the varied questions put to him set out in clear terms what we all have to do to reach an agreement. Mr Murphy explained that the most important part of the present political discussions is the agreed setting up of a Northern Ireland Assembly, representative of all parties where locally elected people can have responsibility for running the affairs of Northern Ireland.
There also has to be a good constructive and workable arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic, and the third element of the discussions must be the relationship between Ireland and Britain.
Mr Murphy reiterated once again that the Principle of Consent of the people of Northern Ireland was paramount and it is up to the elected representatives of the people to work together to bring about consensus. If and when that agreement comes about, Mr Murphy and his other ministers and go home, and Northern Irish politicians can exercise their responsibilities by running the affairs of Northern Ireland in a fair and equitable manner.
Alderman McCarthy hoped that all council members will play their part in supporting Mr. Murphy and his colleagues to bring about a resolution of our problems.
03 March 1997
Summer scheme withdrawal causes concern
Peninsula Councillor, Kieran McCarthy has criticised the decision of the SEELB to do away with summer facilities for children with learning difficulties.
Cllr McCarthy who is the Alliance Party Spokesman on Disability and the parent of a disabled daughter said:
“The withdrawal of this scheme will be a severe blow to both the parents and the child. It is important that the continuous physical and educational needs of the child is kept going during the long summer school holidays and of course it is also important that parents and carers of these youngsters get sufficient help and respite opportunities.
“I realise the problems faced by the Education Board and indeed pay tribute to them for the work and effort which they have put into Summer Schemes over the past number of years, but by withdrawing the schemes they would leave a vacuum for all concerned and I suggest that perhaps the local Health Trusts might consult with the Education Boards and hopefully come up with something that would satisfy the needs for summer activity for youngsters with a learning difficulty and their parents.”
Cllr McCarthy who is the Alliance Party Spokesman on Disability and the parent of a disabled daughter said:
“The withdrawal of this scheme will be a severe blow to both the parents and the child. It is important that the continuous physical and educational needs of the child is kept going during the long summer school holidays and of course it is also important that parents and carers of these youngsters get sufficient help and respite opportunities.
“I realise the problems faced by the Education Board and indeed pay tribute to them for the work and effort which they have put into Summer Schemes over the past number of years, but by withdrawing the schemes they would leave a vacuum for all concerned and I suggest that perhaps the local Health Trusts might consult with the Education Boards and hopefully come up with something that would satisfy the needs for summer activity for youngsters with a learning difficulty and their parents.”
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