The Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the serial failure of the DUP and Sinn Féin to make a success of their stewardship of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and has offered the Ulster Unionists as the change that is needed.
The last two Assembly terms have been characterised by undelivered promises and nowhere was this more apparent than in the number of important OFMdFM strategies which experienced lengthy delays or were never delivered at all.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“The experience of the last nine years has been one of frustration at the lack of decision making and delivery.
“Nowhere was this more apparent than at the centre of government in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
“The DUP and Sinn Féin promised so much, but disappointed so many. A number of promised strategies made it as far as a consultation process, but precious few managed to be agreed and published.
“The Racial Equality Strategy, the Sexual Orientation Strategy, the Childcare Strategy and the Child Poverty Strategy are all examples of key policy areas where delay and indecision have been the order of the day.
“The message from the Ulster Unionist Party is very straightforward. This record of failure would not be tolerated in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland. This election offers the people of Northern Ireland choice. Do they want more of the same failure, or will they vote for change? The Ulster Unionist Party is renewed and refreshed and ready and eager to lead again.
“The bottom line is that what has passed for government from the DUP and Sinn Féin has been nothing less than serial failure. The good news is that change is possible if enough people want it and are prepared to vote for it. On May 5th, the Ulster Unionist Party is asking for the opportunity to prove it can do better.”