Letter: Political stasis in Northern Ireland is failing its citizens ... we need positive leadership to bring about change and improvement

Despite many reports and commentaries, Northern Ireland still is failing its citizens.

Many of the brightest are leaving, never to return, and some of those that remain are intent in continuing the disruption of decades of violence and criminality, while not enough people are working positively and successfully.

The political stasis is compounded by the industry of objection and obstruction to anything that might indicate that “change” is required, even if that “change” is to bring benefits to the people of NI.

The change which is needed is impeded by the lack of ability of people to deliver that change, and a lack of drive and positivity.

As an example of our ineptitude there are about 13 ministerial “priorities” for the department for infrastructure – 13 “priorities” means no priorities. How come we still cannot build roads, sewers, and hospitals on time and within budget?

Some of the press highlights the incompetence and failures of our politicians, public servants, and industry.

All these are fixable and if NI is to have any hope of survival either as part of the UK or Republic of Ireland, it needs to give positive leadership for change and improvement and make progress in that direction.

At the moment, this need for practical change and improvement is far from being on the agenda – we still focus on us and them, and on that basis veto the others’ ideas.

Tom Ekin, Belfast BT9