NI21 Accuses Rivals Of 'Ganging Up'

Basil McCrea has accused his political rivals of "ganging up" on his new party, NI21, over its Assembly speaking rights.

The comments came as the Stormont business committee voted to change the speaking arrangements in parliament.

From 2006, political parties at Stormont with two or more MLAs have been allowed to speak during the first round of assembly debates.

But under the new rules, NI21 has dropped six places in the order of party speaking rights.

"It would appear that some political parties have ganged up to prevent alternative voices being heard," Mr McCrea said.

The new party was launched last week by Basil McCrea and his former UUP colleague John McCallister. The two resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party over the decision to field a joint unionist candidate with the DUP to contest the Mid-Ulster election.

Mr McCrea described the Stormont business committee vote as "old 20th Century politics at its worst."

"It is the politics of self-interest, exclusion, and fear," he said.

Speaker William Hay said the assembly's committee on procedures is being asked to "consider issues relating to the emergence of new political parties or groupings during a mandate including speaking rights".

Basil McCrea commented: "What are they so worried about? Why do they feel the need to change a rule that has gone unchallenged since 2006? They are frightened of any opposition, any alternative view and anybody who is prepared to speak out."

He said he was especially surprised the Alliance Party had voted in favour of the change.

"This is the party who claim to stand for inclusivity. This is the party who during the flags protest were very keen to hear from me. This is the party who repeatedly ask for our support in the chamber and in the commission.

"I spoke to the Alliance party leader and their chief whip in advance of the business committee decision, a decision taken behind closed doors. Neither had the courage to tell me to my face before or after that they would use their vote to change the policy."

In his letter, the Speaker told Mr McCrea: "I am aware of some of the points you have made on the issue of speaking rights for smaller parties. From my perspective I want to clarify that the speaking list agreed by the business committee is only used for called members to speak in debates and for questions following ministerial statements."

(IT/MH)