Letter: Too much time is spent on issues that do little to improve the daily lives of ordinary people in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has enormous potential. We have a skilled workforce, world-class tourism opportunities, innovative businesses and people who want to see their communities prosper. Yet year after year we see that potential squandered.

Sinn Féin's constant claims of "momentum" towards a united Ireland are beginning to ring hollow. Their poor performance in recent by-elections in the Republic, including one in Mary Lou McDonald's own backyard, suggests that many voters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the party's priorities and delivery.

Whether at Stormont or in local government, too much time is spent on issues that do little to improve the daily lives of ordinary people. Debates around the Irish language, bilingual signage and international causes may appeal to activists, but they do nothing to reduce waiting lists, improve educational outcomes, fix crumbling infrastructure or create economic growth.

The public deserve better. We need governments at every level focused relentlessly on the fundamentals: better healthcare, stronger education, improved roads and infrastructure, economic development and attracting investment.

Instead, we hear the same tired excuses. Westminster is blamed for every problem, while serious conversations about reform, efficiency and revenue-raising measures are avoided. Leadership is about making difficult decisions, not simply demanding more money from someone else.

Northern Ireland's future will not be secured through constitutional slogans. It will be secured by competent government, sound public services and policies that improve people's lives. That's where the focus should be

Victor Warrington, UUP councillor