Where is the common sense on key Assembly legislation? - Cameron

South Antrim DUP MLA Pam Cameron has criticised parties at Stormont for opposing what she described as “basic common sense positions” during Assembly debates this week on school inspections and criminal justice legislation.

Mrs Cameron said:

“This week’s Assembly debates have shown just how detached some parties are from the everyday concerns of people across Northern Ireland. Their focus is on petty point scoring and political attacks. Meanwhile they have forgotten that their actions have real-world consequences for the lives of the people we all represent.

On the School Inspections Bill, Sinn Fein’s desire to attack the Minister saw them defend a refusal to undergo scrutiny rather than ensure parents and pupils can have confidence in standards, accountability and transparency within education. School inspection is a basic and necessary part of improving outcomes for children and supporting confidence in our education system, not least in relation to safeguarding of children.

At the same time, on the Justice Bill, some parties continued to push for softer approaches to crime, with both Alliance and Sinn Fein advocating increasing the age of criminal responsibility, despite growing public concern around anti-social behaviour, youth offending and community safety.

The DUP makes no apology for standing for common sense policies which reflect the priorities of hardworking families and local communities. People want safe streets, high educational standards, to keep children safe, and government focused on practical solutions rather than narrow political agendas.

The DUP will continue to stand for common sense, personal responsibility and policies rooted in the real world.”