Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Political and Economic Developments

Question: One of the lessons of this week is that we should stand up to unacceptable demands by Sinn Fein, and we hope that everyone will learn that lesson. Does the Secretary of State agree that the economy can benefit from Northern Ireland, not only from the Executive meeting tomorrow but from their meeting regularly to discuss matters that are pre-eminent in the minds of the local community—business, the economy, health and sport? All those matters need to be dealt with now and on an ongoing basis. Policing and justice should be dealt with where my party has always said it should—in the Assembly on an ongoing basis, until we reach a conclusion of the matter.

Answer: First, I thank the hon. Gentleman for his role in helping the Executive to continue to function during a number of difficult months. In relation to the remarks he made at the beginning of his question, of course people should stand up for their values and beliefs, but in Northern Ireland it is a case not only of standing up for our values and beliefs but of being prepared to understand the other person’s point of view. If there is a major lesson to be learned from the past few months, it is that it is possible to stand up for our beliefs and values but that it is also possible to respect the beliefs and values of a different community, and of a different party, and to find a resolution that will allow both parties to be satisfied and for everyone in Northern Ireland to share in the peace.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 483 c222-3
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Devolution Northern Ireland Administration of justice Politics and government
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk