Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said it’s time the British government started playing a constructive role in the political talks rather than acting like a hurler on the ditch.
Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney.
He told Derry Daily, “We have seen precious little from the British government in terms of genuine engagement in this process so far.
“The British government is not a neutral observer in this process. It is a key player and needs to contribute significantly and materially to finding a resolution to many of the issues causing instability in the political process.
“The huge budgetary problems faced by the parties here have been caused by the austerity policies of David Cameron’s Tory-led government.
“Their year-on-year cuts to the Executive’s block grant have increased poverty and are having a hugely negative impact on the Executive’s stability and its capacity to deliver frontline public services.
“If David Cameron is to play a constructive role in this process then he needs to deal with the major financial difficulties caused by his government’s assault on the Executive’s finances.
“The British government could also immediately honour its outstanding commitments from the Good Friday and other agreements. This includes Acht na Gaeilge, an independent inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane and a Bill of Rights.
“We have seen little compromise or movement from the British government so far in this negotiation.
“If we are to deal with the legacy of the conflict, division and segregation then the British government has to be the major contributor to a Peace Investment Fund, with support from the Irish government, the European Union and the United States.
