Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Bannside (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 14 March 2007 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Political Situation

Question: The Secretary of State will be aware that there were two major election issues on the doorstep: the important constitutional issues, and water charges. The people of Northern Ireland feel great anger and resentment that the Government, who are telling us today what a wonderful future we have, did not give us that wonderful future when they were in office. Why did they not do all these wonderful things that they tell us we should be doing? They missed out very badly. I say to the Government today that it is no use putting a beautiful engine on the road, saying, ““Here is devolution. Here is a wonderful form of government””, if there is not the money to pay for the fuel to run that engine. The Government have a responsibility not only to put the engine on the rails but to supply the people of Northern Ireland with the money. Instead of doing that, they are saying—

Answer: I got the impression that the right hon. Gentleman was feeling strongly about water charges. The Chancellor was listening closely to his point, and we will do our best to provide an incoming Executive with the wherewithal they need to have the successful start to devolution that he wants.

Secondary information