At a time when we need leadership we saw Michelle O’Neill and others blatantly flout Covid-19 rules

As an advocate, I work with victims and survivors of terrorism, and I am continually astonished by their good grace, and what they have had to deal with over the years; and how they constantly have to deal with failure and being let down.
By Ken Funston
Published 8th Jul 2020, 00:22 BST
Updated 8th Jul 2020, 00:27 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

The recent news seeing Michelle O’Neill and others blatantly flout the guidelines and rules on Covid-19, led me to despair at a time when we need leadership.

After all, it was Ms O’Neill in her position as deputy first minister who helped put those rules together that we should all be following.

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When I looked at the Assembly Code of Conduct, they have ‘seven principles of public life’.

1. Selflessness: Members should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity: Members must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work.

3. Objectivity: Members must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit.

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4. Accountability: Members are accountable to the public for their decisions.

5. Openness: Members should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner.

6. Honesty: Members should be truthful.

7. Leadership: Members should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

They also are expected to promote equality and good relations, show respect and consideration to others, and forge good working relationships with the other members of the Assembly.

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It is distressing to see that not one of these principles are being adhered to. Should we not expect and receive better?

Ken Funston, Advocacy Manager SEFF, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh

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Related topics:Michelle O'NeillCovid-19