Green Party express disappointment in Executive Programme for Government

Deputy Leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, Lesley Veronica has expressed disappointment and frustration at the Executive’s draft Programme for Government.

Lesley said “Despite hundreds of hours of meetings with senior civil servants prior to the Assembly returning and 215 days to develop a distinct and clear plan, this document is deeply disappointing. It provides limited clear actions on what this Executive will do over the next few years to address the many crises that we face in Northern Ireland. There are vague promises, lots of buzz words and it seems the Executive, which is a master at symbolism and photo-opportunities, seems to have replicated that in this vague draft programme for government. Coupled with a weak legislative schedule, this is deeply disappointing."

Mrs Veronica continued “Through their inaction, poor policy decisions and addiction to instability these parties have created numerous crises in Northern Ireland. Over 45,000 people are on a housing waiting list. 1 in 4 people here are on a health and social care waiting list. Lough Neagh is dying before our eyes and poverty, inequality, intolerance and paramilitarism continue to plague our communities."

"While Tory austerity plays a role, these crises have been created or made worse by these 5 parties in their 26 years of on and off again government.
The Green Party looks forward to responding and we hope civil society will respond robustly to urge much more detailed ambition."