Nothing much has changed politically since our last Conference except that we have learned from the RHI Inquiry hearings that whatever shape, if ever, the return to Stormont looks like, it simply can’t be business as usual.

Backroom deals, avoidance of protocols in place to ensure good government, and a sense that even if it is wrong ‘themmuns’ are doing likewise - Just not good enough!

Of course we won’t see Stormont back without more TALKS. The routine will be the same, except THIS time, from the outset, the DUP must know that an Irish Language Act simply can’t be on the table.

The reality is that there is no discrimination in respect of the Irish language in Northern Ireland. It is given a special and some might say discriminatory place, with generous funding set aside for its promotion, given how few people can actually speak it, not least the Sinn Fein leadership!

We can see how Sinn Fein demonstrates ‘respect and integrity’ with the Irish language at local government level.

Let’s take Mid-Ulster, by way of example, but it’s the same across local government where Sinn Fein has an upper hand.

The Union flag no longer EVER flies on Council Civic buildings

All signs on our Civic buildings and Vehicles are now in Irish first, followed by English.

Poppy collection boxes have been removed from the Council buildings

2 Irish Language officers have been employed and last year £130k was spent on Irish Language while only £25k was spent on Ulster Scots

The Irish Language is the first language in the council on headed notepaper and other facilities.

Irish Language signs are now being erected at Play areas in Unionist Housing Estates

Mid Ulster Council may have the façade of power sharing but in reality it is majority rule in Mid Ulster. And that`s a fact. 

When Sinn Fein talk about ‘rights, equality, respect and integrity’ it is to their standards and only ever on their terms.

As Ulster Unionists we have no quarrel with the Irish language, but we do resent it being abused as a tool to divide and exclude.

To gain respect, respect needs to be shown in return.

Is language really the number one issue pressing on people’s minds at the present time?

Not hospitals… not schools…. not roads?

The best way to foster better relations between communities is by building trust and mutual respect by delivering SERVICE to all, equally.

We must focus on what really matters to deliver good government and adequate services to all our people, whatever language they speak.