MLA calls for equal society

DUP Assembly member George Robinson says that it is up to the province's politicians in setting an example to the public that all in society are equal. Mr Robinson's comments were made last week at a debate at the Northern Ireland Assembly about the First Minister and deputy First Minister's draft on the cohesion, sharing and integration strategy. Mr Robinson says he believes that publication of the draft for consultation will be an illustration of commitment to "fruitful working relationships" and to the building of a "shared and better future".

Mr Robinson said: "It is up to this Assembly to lead Northern Ireland towards the goal of an equal society. It is up to all of us to set an example on the political level that will be seen and hopefully followed by civic society. The publication of the draft consultation will be a start in the right direction. It will show the world that Northern Ireland's politicians want to keep moving forward in their genuine attempts to build a society in which everyone is equal. That would also be a very public sign of this Assembly's determination to work together for the good of all our citizens.

The DUP MLA says he is now looking forward to early public consultation on the draft strategy which will give all parties and the wider community the opportunity to make a contribution to the shape and direction of final policy.

"To ensure that the Assembly has an acceptable draft strategy for all peace-loving people in Northern Ireland, there will be a public consultation process. I urge everyone to contribute to it, so that the final policy maximises the strategy's impact for community cohesion, sharing and integration."

"However, I sound a note of caution to the Members on the Benches opposite. The policy must ensure that local historical figures, including WF Massey from Limavady, in the East Londonderry constituency, which I am proud to represent, are treated with respect. Links with the RAF and army regiments should be celebrated, and the presentations that the armed services made to Limavady Borough Council should be treated with the respect that they deserve, which, unfortunately, has not always been the case."

Mr Robinson concluded by stating: "Only when everyone in Northern Ireland feels that they receive genuine respect for their culture, heritage and beliefs can the strategy be of full use. Nevertheless, it is important that progress is made quickly, and I understand that the publication of the consultation document is not too far off. I look forward to seeing it. I support amendment No 1."