Is there a case for the Union? Yes – and it’s stronger than ever

Is there a case for the Union? I am starting to wonder

I would say the answer is a resounding ‘Yes’.

The despair at our current situation he conveys is very understandable; however the tools to tackle them are in our hands.

He identifies that a southern administration would have more freedom on tax and spend; this is true up to a point, but the Republic’s fiscal policy is constrained by membership of the Euro.

The Assembly also doesn’t use the powers it already has to stimulate the economy; for example, powers to reduce corporation tax have not been exercised (a curious move considering how much they talk of the need for inward investment).

Going forward the case for the union has never been stronger.

As we leave the European Union we now have more control over our destiny than we’ve ever had. As the UK re-engages with the rest of the world, we share in the new opportunities that brings, we get the cheaper imports that cut the cost of living for consumers as well as access to new markets via free trade agreements negotiated on our terms.

Free from EU rules, we can now make our services sector (that accounts for 70% of economic and 90% of employment in NI) the most competitive in the world.

Our destiny is in our hands, more than it has ever been and more than it ever would be in a United Ireland.

While it’s attractive to think the grass might be greener on the other side, all that yearning does is make one ignore the real issues.

To address the challenges we face our politicians have ample levers to pull, they need to take responsibility and decide what they actually want to achieve for the people.

Aaron Rankin, Past Conservative Parliamentary candidate for East Antrim, Belfast BT8

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