Ex-health minister: What I would do differently in Swann’s shoes – push for ban on alcohol sales

There was a very worrying shortage of staff at all levels, huge and growing waiting lists for surgery, a rapid rise in demand and a constant battle to keep within budgets.

I thought that all of the above made the role of Health Minister an almost impossible task and that was before the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic which has dominated every aspect of our lives since March.

On many occasions I have been asked if I would have done anything radically different had I still been the Health Minister and I have to say that I would have approved very similar policies to those introduced since March.

That does not mean that Robin Swann decision’s have always been right, as hindsight has sometimes proved otherwise. However he and his advisors have clearly made many correct calls based on the evidence at their disposal at the time when important decisions had to be made.

Most people in the Province believe that he has performed well as Minister in dreadfully difficult circumstances and I would share their view on this.

We now face a four week period of restrictions designed to reduce the infection rate. It is shocking to witness the increase in the number of positive tests in Northern Ireland . A month ago who could have predicted that Londonderry and Strabane would quickly emerge as the area with the highest infection rate in the United Kingdom ?

All reasonable people will support the Executive’s current plans but it is evident that more may yet need to be done to get on top of the rising infection rates.

There is now very clear evidence that socialising in all its forms has been a major source of infection. Whilst many people enjoy getting together with friends and family we have to accept that this must be further curtailed in the near future.

I could never understand why off- licenses remained open throughout the Spring lockdown (I am a teetotaller myself). Whilst there is no evidence that the actual act of purchasing drink caused a rise is infection rates its subsequent consumption at social gatherings has led to many dropping their guard, ignoring social distancing and spreading the infection.

Whilst not a popular option I believe that for a short period society will have to accept a radical reduction in the availability of alcohol, combined with stringent enforcement of the rules preventing house parties, gatherings at sports clubs and any other activities where people (particularly the young) meet to socialise and drink.

The Executive must immediately reconsider its recent decision on the availability of alcohol and close off-licenses on the high street and in supermarkets for at least 4 weeks.

This may be viewed as an extreme measure by some but it will be worth it if Northern Ireland brings this awful virus under control.

l Jim Wells has been DUP MLA for South Down ever since the Assembly was set up in 1998. He was health minister during 2014/15. He currently sits on Stormont’s Ad Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 Response.