Debate contribution: Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 7 December 2022.

MLA: Mr Gordon Lyons
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 7 December 2022
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Assembly Business
Heading: Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4178455

Text

We believe that devolution needs a firm foundation to succeed. That foundation will never be in place as long as the issues around the protocol are unresolved. I recognise that the sitting has a special benefit for Sinn Féin as it provides a useful distraction from proceedings at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where it has been alleged that Sinn Féin has used a criminal gang for money and votes. I am sure that many others will, like me, be surprised to hear that there could be connections between Sinn Féin and criminals, but, of course, there needs to be proper investigation to ensure that no gangland money is being used to influence politics here. I recognise the dire situation that many people find themselves in. Many people are struggling with the cost of living. On that, I agree with the former Finance Minister:
"the levers which can make the biggest difference sit with the UK Government."
Those are not my words but the words of the former Finance Minister in a letter from him and his Scottish and Welsh colleagues to the former Chancellor in July.
Absolutely. I agree that there will not be any shortage of funds or heat in Connolly House this winter. Of course, the Member neglects to mention the £10 million of public money that that party has received for its MPs not taking their seats at Westminster or many of the pension pots that Sinn Féin members will have built up during their time working for MI5 as well. On the cost of living, the UK Government have been able to deliver additional payments for those who are low incomes, additional support for pensioners through the increased winter fuel payments, and the energy price guarantee, which, in some cases, has cut electricity bills by up to 50%. However, it is up to them to finally deliver the energy bills support scheme. That scheme was devised and promised by Westminster and now needs to be delivered by Westminster as well. In the summertime, there was a way forward and a mechanism identified for delivery. Energy suppliers and the Utility Regulator worked hard to put that in place. At the last minute, the Government have started to consider alternative options. That is what is causing delay. That is a shame. They need to get on with delivering the scheme that they brought forward.
The time for dithering is over. They have the money, they have the systems, they have the capacity to deliver it, and they need to get on with it. I hope that the other parties will join us in calling for payments to be delivered as soon as possible, because the Government are the ones with the tools. That is key to the conversation that we are having today.

467 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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