Cameron's comment 'akin to spongers remark'

Outlining his opposition to what he called the Tories' “Northern Ireland cuts crusade,” Mr Simpson said:

“Everyone accepts that Northern Ireland needs to grow our private sector. Everyone also accepts that the current economic situation is such that a certain level of cuts will be necessary. As someone with over 30 years business experience as an employer I know this to be the case.”

“However, all of this needs to be done in a managed way that does not imperil the recovery.”

He added: “Tory/UUP leader David Cameron’s comments were akin to Harold Wilson’s infamous ‘spongers’ remark about the people of Northern Ireland. They offered a very revealing insight into just where Northern Ireland is on his list of priorities. It is right at the top of his cuts hit list.”

From the beginning of the Ulster Unionist and Conservative alliance, it has been clear that the Conservatives call the shots. The unveiling of the Tories’ Northern Ireland cuts crusade ought to alarm everyone in Lurgan and Portadown.

“What this will mean is already in the public domain. On top of all of the other efficiencies demanded of Northern Ireland by central government, the Tories would impose an additional 6 billion in cuts this year alone. That will mean an extra 200 million in cuts to Northern Ireland public services etc this year alone.

“That will have a devastating impact on schools, on our road infrastructure, on training and on social housing.”

“In Northern Ireland Health accounts for half of our total budget. David Cameron’s NI cuts agenda would impose and additional 100 million in cuts in the NHS this year alone. Think of impact of that on nurses, beds, treatment, operations and waiting lists in Craigavon Area Hospital.

“The Upper Bann Tory/UUP candidate has already, as an up front pre-condition of his acceptance as a candidate by the Tories, agreed to take the Tory whip and toe the Tory line. He simply cannot put Northern Ireland issues first. He is doomed to be driven by Tory Central Office.

“More than ever, David Cameron’s comments have shown just how important it is for Upper Bann to elect an MP who will take their seat and who will be a free and unfettered voice to Upper Bann and Northern Ireland.”