Thursday, June 05, 2008
Robinson: a good start is only half the work…
Fascinating speech from Peter Robinson (text below the fold). It’s topped and tailed with a couple of telling quotes. The first an Irish proverb that will be familiar to many long term readers of Slugger O’Toole: ‘A good start is half the job’, or ‘Tús maith, leath na hoibre’. And finishes with Abraham Lincoln, “let us strive on to finish the work we are in and bind up the wounds of our divided community”. The speech itself is pretty general with a few digs at the TUV and Jim Allister. Not much on recent local difficulties (Reg Empey majored on that in his response). Perhaps now is the time to dust off the End to Drift report, and get down to finding out just where this First Minister (as opposed to the last) is coming from, and where he is likely to want to go.
Peter Robinson’s speech today:
“Mr Speaker, at the outset I wish to express my thankfulness, admiration, high regard and respect to the great Ulsterman who I have the honour to succeed.
He has been a leader without equal. His contribution has been immeasurable and no man laboured more faithfully than he to secure the political agreement that now shapes the future.
Having worked with Ian for so many years, I am especially honoured that it is he who has nominated me today. He has laid the foundation for this new era, and now it is up to the rest of us to build upon it.
When Enoch Powell said that all political careers end in failure, he hadn’t reckoned on the career of Ian Paisley.
But, today calls on me to look forward to the future and the huge challenges that lie ahead. For me, while holding the post of First Minister will be a great honour, politics is not about who fills an office, it is about what is done when in office. Ultimately, that is how history will judge us all.
We have made a good start. There are some in this chamber who have in the past quoted an old Irish proverb or aphorism which being interpreted says ‘A good start is half the job’.
Yet, Mr Speaker, we must remember that it is only half the job. There is still so much work to be done. A year on, the settling-in period is now over. The time for the Executive and Assembly to deliver has arrived. There is much important work to be done.
* We must secure the peace that has been achieved and remove, once and for all, the last vestiges of all paramilitary organisations and activity that has for too long marred our Province.
* We must grow the economy and build the prosperity that can help the lives of all the people who live here.
* We must address unresolved issues in a way that commands the confidence of our community.
* And we must work to transform the institutions to ensure that we move smoothly to democratic normality in the years ahead.
If devolution is to be meaningful to the people of Northern Ireland then the responsibility for delivering results rests with all of us.
Of course the Deputy First Minister and I will have to roll up our sleeves - and neither of us will duck the challenges or recoil from the hard work that such tasks require.
No-one knows better than we do, after a year operating within the Executive, that there is no elevator that will take us to a successful outcome. We will just have to take the staircase – step by step by step.
But this is a four-party mandatory coalition. In the time ahead I want to work alongside all my Executive colleagues. All of us across this House have a vital role to play in delivering for the people who elected us. We will best succeed if we are all striving towards a common goal.
I will want to discuss and engage with other leaders in this House on how best we might work together to achieve the Programme for Government the Assembly has agreed and how best we should address outstanding and unresolved issues.
I know how we deal with these matters is not the sole preserve of the two largest parties but of all – and I do not even limit that dialogue to Executive parties – I languished on the opposition benches too long to do that. I genuinely want that engagement.
For a moment let me respond to some opponents outside this House.
Over recent months, falling upon our ears like a fire bell in the night, have been the claims that my party is somehow under pressure and likely to lose support because we are in the Executive.
Parties have been build up and cast down from the earliest period of our history to the present day and no party has the right to expect unquestioning or automatic support from the people. Support has to be earned and trust must be maintained.
It is true that people step cautiously when they are asked to tread new ground and the decision we took just over a year ago quite rightly must be judged by our voters. I believe the decision was right. I also believe that time is demonstrating our judgement was sound. There is nobody out there who can offer a better achievable way forward.
My colleagues and I will justify to those who matter – the electorate of Northern Ireland - the judgement call we made. But let me assure you, Mr Speaker, our actions as we move forward will not be limited or governed by the snarl and screech of those jarring and rancorous voices that trade on creating fear.
We will waste no time looking over our shoulders at those who have nothing to offer and whose only hope is to profit from a healthy scepticism about whether the course we offer is safe to travel.
Ian used to say to me - when we faced difficult decisions – “Do what’s right though the stars fall”.
You know, Mr Speaker, we did what was right and the stars didn’t fall for when you do what’s right the people will follow.
Those in this House who have been in politics, as long as I have been, will have seen these parties appear many times before. They seek to tap into some genuine apprehension or concern and though they have no attainable solution and have done nothing to commend themselves to the people they hope to ride to office on a tide of emotion or doubt.
These people have no alternative other than offering the people of Northern Ireland a seat on the bleachers to helplessly observe while others take our decisions for us.
There is no part of me that prefers being a bystander, unable to influence or shape the future; unable to change or improve the lot of our people; unable to govern ourselves and assigned to the sidelines while, under Direct Rule, London and Dublin decides our fate.
We have the courage to shape our own destiny and we have the confidence to do right and trust in the good judgement of the people.
Mr Speaker, as we move forward in this new era we must never forget the events of the last 40 years and in particular we must never forget those whose lives were cut short - those who have suffered and those who still do.
As an administration we are pledged to help the victims of the Troubles and we must boost our efforts to ensure, as best we can, that victims too share in the benefits of the new era.
We must not go back to those bad old days.
We must learn from the past. We must not live in it.
I want to see a Northern Ireland that is not known throughout the world for “The Troubles” nor even for the peace process. I want to see a Northern Ireland that is known for innovation, for its industry, for the economic opportunities it offers, for the friendliness, warmth and charm of its people and the beauty, vitality and magic of its landscape.
In this new era we have much to celebrate. There has probably been no point since the creation of Northern Ireland in 1921 that there has been more widespread support for both the political and policing institutions than exists today.
We in Northern Ireland are in the unique position of benefiting from all of the advantages of being a part of the United Kingdom and at the same time having more positive relations than ever before with the Republic of Ireland.
We have also enjoyed the support and encouragement of the United States and we very much look forward to the visit of President George Bush in a few weeks’ time.
We are grateful for the support we have been given in the past from outside Northern Ireland but the real test of our maturity as a society will come when we all have the self-confidence to face and resolve our own problems.
In the last few weeks there has been much talk of how the DUP has exercised the veto it negotiated at St Andrews. Yes, we have exercised our veto and we have not been alone in doing that. But applying a veto is not an indication of strength or success. It is simply an indication of a failure to agree.
Let me make it clear I did not negotiate these changes as a weapon to be used against other parties, but as a safeguard, for as long as it is needed, of the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.
The truth is that unless we can create a shared society we will not truly have turned the corner as a people. So – if I can rework the words of Abraham Lincoln, uttered almost 150 years ago - let us strive on to finish the work we are in and bind up the wounds of our divided community.
Mr Speaker, in all that I do as First Minister I will – with God’s help, and He granting me an ample portion of strength and wisdom - work to put the interests of the people of Northern Ireland first.
I pledge to work unstintingly to help navigate this Province towards a better and finer day.”
Mick Fealty @ 01:15 PM
It was a reasonable performance, although he spent way too long talking about Jim Allister who no doubt will be delighted that he garnered so much attention.
Glad he and Martin are both talking about delivery.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 02:40 PM“falling upon our ears like a fire bell in the night” - that was a nice phrase.
And that is encoraging.
“But applying a veto is not an indication of strength or success. It is simply an indication of a failure to agree.”Quite a nice speech in fact.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 02:46 PMPretty good speech. Lots of positivity.
He needs a while to settle down and create a good working relationship with M.McGuinness. Let’s wish them both well in resolving difficulties. I was pleased that he said that exercising their veto was not a sign of strength or success but an acknowledgement of failure.
Doubt if that will be well received by a few crowers here on Slugger, mind you.
Another new era is here. Hope it’s better than the last one.Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 02:48 PMWell enough balanced speech. Whether or not he spent too much time on Allister is an interesting discussion point, but there’s no doubt Allister will have a tougher fight trying to take on Robinson than Paisley. He’s clearly a man who’s up for taking him on and that’s no bad thing.
I actually thought the most interesting point in the speech was the point about the veto. It was a very subtle, but equally very strong message of defending the vetoes negotiated by the DUP, and of their use on things like the Irish Language Act.
Essentially what’s to stop Robinson putting (an equally subtle) two fingers up to SF now on most of these issues? Are they going to threaten collapse again? The sham hasn’t taken place over the last few days, the sham talks which will produce nothing to cover SF’s climbdown will be a very amusing day or two.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:00 PMI liked his opener with an Irish proverb, that set the tone for a good speech, no-one can accuse him of being a bigot.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:01 PMthe notable part of Mr Robinson’s speech is his non insulting reference to the Irish language. The first by a major DUP figure for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it’s a fluke, one swallow doesn’t make a Summer and all that, but it may not be. We live in hope.
Robinson’s non negative (=positive?) reference to an Irish proverb is worth mentioning and so too is Reg Empey’s admission that there will be an Irish language Act except it won’t be legislated in NI but in Westminster and it will concern reserved matters.
This would be good news for those involved in Irish language broadcasting, whose funding comes to an end in a few weeks time thanks to the axe of Minister Poots, as it might put Irish language broadcasting on a similar level to Scots Gaelic broadcast funding and, also, Welsh language broadcast funding.
As interesting in the wider picture is this: if Irish language legislation is enacted in Westminster, this allows, while policing and justice remain matters for London, those sectors to come within its ambit. This could result in Irish being introduced as a language of the courts and, also, as a requirement for graduation as a member of the PSNI? Just a thought….
It could certainly hasten the day that an Irish Language Act would be legislated in Stormont…..
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:02 PMConcubhar
“so too is Reg Empey’s admission that there will be an Irish language Act except it won’t be legislated in NI but in Westminster and it will concern reserved matters.”That wasn’t an admission - it was Reg trying to scaremonger about something which isn’t going to happen. There are some positives even from my POV though. Even Empey realises though that there isn’t going to be an Irish Language Act brought through the NI Assembly which is something to welcome I suppose.
Frankly if Robinson has managed to send out a hard line message in very soft language then its a very good start indeed.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:05 PMBest speech by Robbo and very well delivered. score 8
Some other DUP guy I didnt recognise very poor delivery and average content. 4
Good Irishery from Grizzly and great joke about his reason for getting into politics was the big fellah appearing on Falls Road. 7
Good content and good delivery by Marty - scored well on sectarianism and immigration. 7
‘Dead sheep savaging’ ( or perhaps dead lamb) of SF by Reg - seemingly moving to the right of DUP on P and J. 5
Good content from Durkham not great delivery. 6
Aliance and Pup both brief, good content and well delivered 7.
Good editing by BBC leaving out the Alliance’s 2nd shout. 10
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:12 PM‘There has probably been no point since the creation of Northern Ireland in 1921 that there has been more widespread support for both the political and policing institutions than exists today. ‘
Not ‘probably’ more like certainly.
Other than that a good start which they say is half the battle.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:13 PMThere is no part of me that prefers being a bystander, unable to influence or shape the future; unable to change or improve the lot of our people; unable to govern ourselves and assigned to the sidelines while, under Direct Rule, London and Dublin decides our fate.
The logic of this position is independence, not the Union. Also ridiculous when self same man argued against and his party voted against the desire to get more fiscal control.
Let me make it clear I did not negotiate these changes as a weapon to be used against other parties, but as a safeguard, for as long as it is needed, of the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.
Neat line, but totally untrue. As is almost everything about talking about working for all the people of Northern Ireland. Hell, few parties anywhere do that, and least of all any of the parties here. Particularly ones whose representatives come out and proclaim at how great they’ve been at securing concession for their side, and stuffing t’other.
The truth is that unless we can create a shared society we will not truly have turned the corner as a people. So – if I can rework the words of Abraham Lincoln, uttered almost 150 years ago - let us strive on to finish the work we are in and bind up the wounds of our divided community.
We have no “divided community”. We have two communities, and what is talking about is not producing a Shared Society, but a Shared identity. A fair enough goal, but I think he might find it a hard sell.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:16 PMThis could result in Irish being introduced as a language of the courts and, also, as a requirement for graduation as a member of the PSNI?
LOl is that what the shinners are spinningg now? Irish to join the PSNI , god theres dim and theres sinn fein supportersPosted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:17 PM“Those in this House who have been in politics, as long as I have been, will have seen these parties appear many times before. They seek to tap into some genuine apprehension or concern and though they have no attainable solution and have done nothing to commend themselves to the people they hope to ride to office on a tide of emotion or doubt.”
Am I the only one to find such a statement odd from a DUP man ?
As for Gerry’s blatant contrivance, Sammy lad, I thought you were a local…...Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:25 PMAnywhere online were we can view the proceedings from earlier?
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:27 PMI’m no SF supporter - I’m merely giving one possible outcome of the combination of the delay in devolving policing and justice and the opportunity that presents in terms of the Irish Language Act possibly being enacted at Westminster and being confined to broadcasting and other reserved matters. So if you consider that dim, that’s up to you. It’s no line from SF. It’s merely an observation of what’s possible - or are you the only one allowed to make observations. (Have you paid up on that bet yet, you reneger!)
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:28 PM(Have you paid up on that bet yet, you reneger!)
What deal has been done? NONE. Marty is petes No.2 and all they going to do is Talk, until the DUP get what they want.
The Shinners huffed n puffed then went away home
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:36 PMConchubhar,
Its also possible that I’ll win the lottery on Saturday night. Mind you, the odds are about 14,000,000/1 against.You can deal all you want in what’s possible. I’ll deal in what’s likely, or even arguably, what’s certain.
Its definitely very likely, and fairly certain in my view that the Shinners aren’t going to get anything from these talks. Like I say, its a very small figleaf they took to nominate today. All the attention has gone again too and people just wouldn’t understand if they pulled the plug.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:39 PMMp4me
I’m annoyed to have missed the debate live too.
But tune into the BBCiplayer tonite or tomorrow and type “Stormont” ,
and you’ll find they have an hour a day from the chamber, available for a week.Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:41 PMMp,
I’ve added a link to the top… Otherwise, I think we may have some highlights coming in the YouTube pipeline.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:41 PMInterested,
“Its definitely very likely, and fairly certain in my view that the Shinners aren’t going to get anything from these talks.”
So no P and J transferred before the new year? Is that your opinion?
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:44 PMnterested,
“Its definitely very likely, and fairly certain in my view that the Shinners aren’t going to get anything from these talks.”
So no P and J transferred before the new year? Is that your opinion?
Posted by It was Sammy Mc Nally what done it on Jun 05, 2008 @ 05:44 PMWasn`t May the deadline?
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:47 PMsammy,
I dont argue its all about the devolution of P&J;per se. Much of it is about how P&J;is devolved and how it is administered post-devolution.In that however, I don’t think it’ll be devolved this year. Mind you, I wouldn’t be outrightly opposed to it being devolved this year in a manner whereby the Shinners don’t get their sweaty little mitts anywher near it. In return for that I’d then take a rather large (and significantly more useful) chunk of concessions for unionism on the other side.
Unionism doesn’t have anything to lose from P&J;being devolved properly and it has plenty to gain from what can be demanded in return.
Just to pre-empt any other questions - I don’t believe there’ll be an ILA, this year or any other year for that matter, neither introduced by the Assembly or by Westminster. In my view Gordo believes all that language stuff (all of it) is a devolved matter and he has much bigger fish to fry than getting bogged down in the rather dull details of whinges about Irish language.
For all the claims that he will “do a Blair” in relation to NI and give slight hitches here masses of attention its just not true. I think he believes things are settled and if people don’t like the vetoes that were negotiated and agreed by themselves well then that’s just hard Scottish cheese to them.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:52 PMInterested: “I actually thought the most interesting point in the speech was the point about the veto. It was a very subtle, but equally very strong message of defending the vetoes negotiated by the DUP, and of their use on things like the Irish Language Act.”
I think you’ve stuck on your extra-rose-tinted-hard-line-interpreatation goggles for that one insider - especially when the man giving the speech actually said “But applying a veto is not an indication of strength or success. It is simply an indication of a failure to agree.”
Looks like you’ll take any port in the storm that’ll help you believe this actually was a hard-line speech delivered in soft tones. I was nothing of the kind.And I have to say - as theres very little chance of me getting to here Robbo’s speech, the very thought of his staccato robotic delivery really did bring a smile to my face as I read that.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 03:53 PMcicles,
Indeed the veto is a failure to agree and I believe that we may fail to agree on an Irish Language Act for some time to come.What was it a message saying - it said that if we are to move forward in Northern Ireland then you have to have mutual consent on major issues. Foisting them upon an unwilling community (one side or the other) does not work. Clearly there is a large chunk of people in NI who do not want to have an ILA so one is unlikely to come about through the Assembly and foisting one upon them is equally unwise.
It wasn’t a hard-line speech in soft tones. It was a measured speech in measured tones but with the odd message which could be described as “a hard line message in soft tones”. There is a difference.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 04:03 PMInterested,
can you clear up the discrepancy between1) “Its definitely very likely, and fairly certain in my view that the Shinners aren’t going to get anything from these talks.”
2) “In that however, I don’t think it’ll be devolved this year”
What SF want from the talks is transfer of P and J - which in the first quotes you are “fairly certain” they dont get and in the second you have moved to “dont think” will happen this year.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 04:08 PMSF may want the devolution of P&J;, but the real goal for them is to claim that they “control” the police here.
If P&J;is devolved but SF have no say then I don’t believe its a real victory for them, no matter what they may say.
Posted by on Jun 05, 2008 @ 04:16 PM
