David McNarry: There is no reason to keep Northern Ireland out of UK exit plans from Covid-19 lockdown

In announcing that the government wants “a UK-wide approach to its plans for a coronavirus exit strategy,” unionists suspect that Brandon Lewis has not secured Sinn Fein support.
By David McNarry
Published 8th May 2020, 19:00 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Nor is it likely that republicans would embrace moves to help Northern Ireland’s economic survival.

Unionist leaders will have to shake off the shackles of Sinn Fein belligerence and prepare to reboot our economic base.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We must confront the recurring dilemma facing of unionists being forced to partner with a party that has such an anti British attitude.

Their unedifying promotion of all-island solutions to Covid-19 illustrates their approach.

The immediate task is to circumvent catastrophe and keep casualties down, but there is no reason to exclude the community here and its businesses from well thought out UK exit plans.

People deserve reward for their exemplary adherence to lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When the choice is between action to protect jobs, mortgages, investment, and rebuild a battered economy or let the country go bust the public will back action to protect these things.

It is not a matter of taking risks! We need to move to the next step of a gradual relaxation of the lockdown.

Not only for many people’s physical and mental well being but equally crucially to give back to those who can work their personal respect by returning to employment.

David McNarry, Comber, Ex Ukip and UUP MLA

Related topics:Northern IrelandSinn FeinPeopleBrandon LewisCovid-19