Trevor Ringland: A new generation of constructive candidates begins to emerge

In 1998 we agreed that the “principle of consent” would determine our constitutional position. We remain part of the UK, but we are geographically part of the island of Ireland, and cross-border structures reflect our common interests and promote the benefits of good relations and cooperation across these islands.

There has been considerable progress toward reconciling some of the tensions in our society around identity, and a type of politics can emerge which puts the best interests of people in Northern Ireland first, and consigns other issues to second place.

At the election, these profound changes may not immediately be apparent. A lot of the arguments will still revolve around the idea that if “you don’t vote for us, you’ll get them”. Five years from now, hopefully that will have changed, because more of the Troubles era politicians will have retired.

Already, we are starting to see a new generation, whose priorities aren’t so grounded in the rhetoric of the past.

John McCallister, now standing as an independent, has shown an ability to reach out and his work has led to constructive reforms to the Assembly.

Frank Shivers, in North Down, is promoting a centre-right vision for the economy, grounded in the idea that an integrated society will also be prosperous. He is an NI Conservative, and it’s a pity that the Labour Party doesn’t have the courage to stand candidates here.

There are other new faces, like Steve Aiken, Doug Beattie and Andy Allen, who bring considerable ability and common-sense to the fore, for the Ulster Unionists. They have new ideas about how to deal with issues in our society, like disability and how to tackle educational achievement in young people.

The SDLP has constructive voices like Claire Hanna and Nicola Mallon, who handled the position of mayor of Belfast skilfully. The party’s new leader, Colum Eastwood, has stated that his priority is to make Northern Ireland work, even if his ultimate aim is a united Ireland.

Even some politicians within the DUP and Sinn Fein are interested in bringing out the best in Northern Ireland. The same is true of Alliance, a party which has attempted to be constructive in many ways, while also being caught up in the mind-set of the Troubles. Hopefully at some point they will get off the fence and promote Northern Ireland.

The future can be different from the past. Across the board, we need politicians who can bring out the best in society and they need our support in order to do so.

Trevor Ringland, Holywood