Lewis: “It is essential we continue to work with the Government on a bi partisan basis and maintain an honest broker, equi distant role between Northern Ireland’s political parties”

The Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary and Liz Kendall backer, Ivan Lewis has taken to Facebook to state his position on the election of Jeremy Corbyn.

Lewis was candid in saying that he has not made up his mind yet whether to join his fellow Corbyn critics in leaving the shadow cabinet. He has, however, ruled out leaving the Labour party.

Lewis has stated some criticisms of Corbyn supporters in some of their comments on the Middle East saying;

For the record, I have never accused Jeremy Corbyn of anti semitism but have expressed serious concern about his support for people who have engaged in anti Semitic rhetoric. He must address these concerns and anti semitism on the left more generally which was acknowledged as a real problem by Owen Jones recently.

In what could be a parting thought for Corbyn in how he approaches Northern Ireland, Lewis set out his views on a future direction;

The current political crisis in Northern Ireland which is the most serious threat to peace and stability for many years should be a priority for the new Labour leadership. Labour has a proud legacy and therefore special responsibility. It is essential we continue to work with the Government on a bi partisan basis and maintain an honest broker, equi distant role between Northern Ireland’s political parties and the loyalist and nationalist communities.

David McCann

David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs