Beggs thanks supporters, after finishing runner up in East Antrim contest

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Party candidate in the Westminster General Election has thanked his supporters, after finishing runner up in the East Antrim contest.

Roy Beggs MLA said:

 

“I wish to thank the 6,308 people who voted for me in the General Election.  We closed the gap by around 1,000 votes, but clearly Sammy Wilson still has a sizable majority and I congratulate him on his victory. 

 

“There is no doubt he is a popular and widely recognisable character who commands support outside his party affiliation.  However, Sammy now has a choice to make about where he is going to represent East Antrim - Stormont or Westminster.  He has not fulfilled his previous manifesto commitment to stop double jobbing, and tried to avoid the question in this campaign.   This cannot continue, because from next year, by law, it will not be permissible to continue to be an MP at Westminster, and an MLA at Stormont at the same time.

 

“The two newly elected Ulster Unionist Party MPs Tom Elliot and Danny Kinahan will be stepping down from Stormont as soon as possible, to be dedicated, fulltime MPs for their constituents at Westminster.  I am absolutely delighted at their success and the fact that the Ulster Unionist Party is on the up, and back on the green benches of the House of Commons.”

Ends

Beggs questions Wilson’s despicable actions related to Red Sky

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs re-iterated his accusation that Sammy Wilson MLA is acting in the narrow DUP interest rather than the public’s interest in terms of his actions related to the investigation into the BBC Spotlight Red Sky programme.

 

Roy Beggs said:

“The latest comments by Sammy Wilson MLA in relation to the Red  Sky enquiry, show that he puts his party first and the community second.  Throughout the investigation Sammy Wilson acted in the narrow interest of the DUP rather than the public’s interest in terms of his actions related to the investigation into the BBC Spotlight Red Sky programme.

 

“Scrutiny of Sammy Wilson MLA’s attempt to defend his Party’s former Minister and his special advisor inappropriate actions would conclude that they have not been in the public interest. I could only describe his actions as being despicable.

 

“Firstly he disrupted the Social Development Committee with his intervention and ‘thug’ remark just as the DUP Special Advisor was coming under pressure from questioning at the committee¹.  Secondly the Whistle Blower, Cllr Jenny Palmer who was questioned by Mr Wilson for some 35 minutes, claimed his action were “tantamount to bullying”.  Then as the committee was completing the report, a closed committee hearing was disrupted because of Mr Wilson’s abusive accusations.

 

“I believe that Mr Wilson is selfishly putting Party interests before all others.”

 

“The DUP have placed two of their double jobbing MP’s / MLA Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell on the Social Development Committee following the questionable actions of their Ministers and their Special Advisor Stephen Brimstone. Some believe this to be an attempt protect their party members who are under the spotlight.

 

Roy Beggs MLA said, “Anyone who listens to and examines Jenny Palmers evidence will conclude that as a whistle blower on inappropriate internal DUP actions, she has been consistent and credible in her evidence to the committee and the media.  The question then falls to Sammy Wilson, why has he given the Whistleblower such a hard time and indeed his party is in the process of disciplining her after collecting her vote at the Super Council AGM?  Whistle blowers should be supported, not abused!

 

“The public must now ask if they want an MP who acts supporting his Party’s interest against the public interest.  Secondly the public must decide if they want a double jobbing MP working in this manner at Stormont when an MP should actually be working for the public at Westminster?

 

“7^th May, One Day, One Vote, One Chance for change ”

Note to editor:

 

1         'Thug' insult row results in NI Assembly committee suspension http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29644519

2         Sammy Wilson asks if DUP colleague Jenny Palmer lied to committee http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29938674

3         Whistle Blower accuses Wilson of “tantamount to bullying” http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/minutesofevidencereport.aspx?AgendaId=11269&eveID=6762

      4         Jenny Palmer’s evidence to Social Development. http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/minutesofevidencereport.aspx?AgendaId=10102&eveID=6559

Beggs Criticises Wilsons Failure to End Double Jobbing and Personnally Commits to Full Time Role at Westminster

Ulster Unionist Party Westminster candidate for East Antrim, Roy Beggs, has criticised Sammy Wilson for double jobbing at both Stormont and Westminster despite his Party's commitment to end double jobbing 5 years ago.  Roy has reiterated his commitment to serve as a full time MP for East Antrim in the House of Commons, if elected on the 7th May.




Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs said "You cannot be in two places at once, as the figures show - Sammy attended 64% (23/36) of Social Development Committee meetings in the 13-14 financial year.  During this time, my attendance was 97% on the Health (30/31) Committee and 88% (15/17) on the Assembly Executive and Review Committee.




Mr Wilsons record at Westminster is even worse.  He ranks 633rd out of 650 MPs with regard to his voting record of 32.6% and has only managed to attend 29 out of 83 Public Bill Committee sittings to which he was appointed.  This was only 34.9% attendance on Westminster Committees scrutinising legislation that affects you."




Roy Beggs continued by reiterating his election commitment to not double job - "It is impossible to be in two places at the same time.   Mr Wilsons poor attendance figures would back this up.  I make a clear commitment to the electorate of East Antrim that I would only hold one public office, and if elected on the 7th May, I will give up my seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly."




"During a recent radio interview on the Nolan Show (05/05/15), Sammy Wilson evaded answering the question as to what his political intentions are - he will have to decide whether he wants to be in Westminster or the Assembly.  5 years ago, his Party made a commitment to stamp out double jobbing within weeks.  How many other DUP commitments will not be followed through on?  If he is elected and decided to stand down from Westminster in the course of the next year, this would trigger a costly by-election, funded by the tax payer.  He should have already stood down from the Assembly and given a commitment to serve a 5 year term if elected to Westminster. 


"One day.  One vote. One chance for change.  Vote Beggs "X" on 7th May."




Ends

Stephen Nolan Radio interview 05/05/2015 - (21:09 mins - 25:09mins)http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05sy125

Sammy Wilson Social Development Committee attendance

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/social-development/members-attendance-at-committee-meetings/

Roy Beggs Health Committee attendancehttp://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/health-social-services-and-public-safety/members-attendance-at-committee-meetings/

Roy Beggs Assembly Executive Review Committee attendance
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/assembly-and-executive-review/members-attendance-at-committee-meetings/

Sammy Wilson voting record HoC
http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/40223

http://www.express.co.uk/politics/politicians/democratic-unionist-party/sammy-wilson/38#voting_summary

Sammy Wilson Public Bill Committee attendance
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mla/11374/sammy_Wilson

DUP MPs to Quit Stormont Seats
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8587050.stm

Beggs hits out at pure sectarianism in Sinn Fein literature

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Antrim has hit out at the contents of Sinn Fein election literature, describing them as ‘pure sectarianism’.

Mr Beggs said:

“In the Sinn Fein election literature it states, ‘Oliver is the only MLA representing East Antrim that is NOT a unionist.’ Why have they included this line? I think it is not by chance. He is not the only East Antrim who is not a unionist- Alliance have not been a unionist party for many, many years. What Sinn Fein is basically saying is that their candidate is the only non-Protestant East Antrim MLA. Previously Alliance ran Catholic candidates for Westminster and the Assembly. Clearly Mr McMullan believes that his people should automatically vote for him based on his religious background. This is a pitch for votes which is purely sectarian.

“I am asking for vote based on the fact that I am a unionist- someone who fundamentally believes that the union of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the best way forward for all out people, from all religious backgrounds and none, in social economic and cultural terms. The Ulster Unionist Party is best placed to articulate a mainstream, pluralist, non-sectarian pro union voice at Westminster.”

Beggs hits out at deception over permanent closure of Whiteabbey Minor Injuries Unit

Ulster Unionist Party Westminster candidate for East Antrim, Roy Beggs MLA, has expressed his disappointment at a response provided to him by the former Health Minister that states the Northern Health Trust is seeking the permanent closure of the Whiteabbey Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.

Roy Beggs said:

“I and the staff in Whiteabbey Hospital feared from the start that permanent closure of the MIU was always going to be the inevitable outcome. Since the announcement was made last year of the temporary closure the unit has been effectively stripped out. The outcome of any consultation on the permanent closure of the unit seems to be a foregone conclusion. It’s clear the Minister and the Northern Health Trust have already made their decision so they shouldn’t even waste people’s time on even pretending to consult.  Both the Minister and the Department have acted shamefully throughout this entire affair.”   

The East Antrim MLA had asked the Minister when the temporary closure of Whiteabbey Hospital Minor Injuries Unit end was due to end and what plans have been made to reinstate the service.

In response, the then Health Minister Jim Wells stated ‘Financial planning for 2015/16 is on-going and all Health and Social Care Trusts must deliver substantial savings in order to live within budget and meet rising demand across HSC services.  The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has proposed in its savings that the temporary closure of Whiteabbey Hospital Minor Injuries Unit will continue in 2015/16.  The savings plan also indicates that the Trust will consult on a permanent closure of the Minor Injuries Unit.’

Roy Beggs said:

“The decision shows no consideration of the pressures on local A&E services and the inability to meet the 4 hour waiting targets. This week it was revealed that only 57% of people attending the A&E in Antrim Area Hospital in March were seen on time, even though the target is 95%. The situation in Mater Hospital was not much better at only 62%. Rather than closing local alternatives to A&E, such as the MIU in Whiteabbey, we need additional options to avoid patients adding to A&E waiting times. 

“I would call for investment in local GP services and local health and care centres.   East Antrim is one of the few constituencies not to have a A&E unit nor minor injuries unit.  Clearly with the inadequate local health facilities and many ageing health centres, there is an urgent need for health investment in modern Health and Care facilities right across East Antrim. Such facilities would enable GPs and allied health professionals to treat more patients and take pressure away from our already overburdened A&E units in Belfast and Antrim.”

Beggs highlights need for partnership to address educational under achievement

Roy Beggs MLA, the Ulster Unionist Party’s East Antrim Westminster Candidate has pledged to continue to work with communities, schools and parents to enable more young people to reach their full potential.

 

Roy Beggs said,

 

“The numbers of young people continuing to be referred to the Educational Welfare Officers for high levels of absenteeism must be of concern to us all.  Absenteeism from school will result in lower educational achievement and may lead to difficulty in gaining a place in Further and Higher Education or even being accepted onto an apprenticeship.”

 

The Ulster Unionist Candidate is a founding member of Horizon SureStart has been involved in gaining educational funding and support for parents in parts of Larne and Carrickfergus.

 

Roy Beggs MLA continued:

 

“The latest figures indicate in some areas of Larne and Carrickfergus one quarter of post primary school pupils are being referred because of missing more than 1 day in 7 from school. 

 

“Increasingly it is being once more recognised that ‘it takes a village to educate a child’.  It takes the school, the home and the local community valuing education and all working together, so that every child can reach their full potential.   As a public representative I will continue to support the efforts of organisations such as SureStart, local community and voluntary groups, parents and schools so that education is valued and more of our young people can benefit from education and have greater opportunities in their later life.

 

“Having highlighted the problem of absenteeism over the past decade, I am pleased that we are now seeing some improvement in school attendance.  This is particularly apparent in the primary school figures.  I am particular encouraged by the efforts of parents and the local community to enable their young people to strive for better educational outcomes.   This will pay dividends in later life.”

Ulster Unionist Party launch their Westminster Manifesto

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has stated that the Party`s Westminster candidates are committed to working for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland and offer a credible alternative to those candidates who practice abstentionism or peddle a message of fear over hope.

Mr Nesbitt said:

“One Day, One Vote, One Chance for Change. Vote Roy Beggs “X” on the 7^th May. That`s the opportunity that presents itself to the people of Northern Ireland on 7th May. They deserve better politics and the Ulster Unionist Party is the credible alternative.

“This is about recognising that the Union is best for all our people – it makes sense politically, economically, socially and culturally. It makes common sense and nationalists know that as well as unionists.

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party candidate Roy Beggs said; “Everyone should have the right to have their voice heard in Westminster. Those who practice abstentionism are locked in the past.  Double jobbing MLA/MP's also prevent full representation. It is not possible to be in Westminster and Stormont at the same time.   Ulster Unionists are giving the electorate an opportunity to bring that to an end by offering hard working, dedicated candidates who are committed to working for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is an alternative to those who peddle a message of fear over hope for the future.  And the voters have the opportunity to make change happen by voting for Ulster Unionist Party candidates on 7th May.”

Beggs call for honesty from DUP Health Minister over Whiteabbey Minor Injuries Unit

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has called for DUP Minister for Health, Jim Wells, to clarify the situation about the Minor Injuries Unit at Whiteabbey Hospital which was subject to a ‘temporary closure’ in December 2014.

 

The Ulster Unionist MLA said:

“On announcing that the minor injuries unit at Whiteabbey would have to be closed last autumn, Health Minister Jim Wells said that the closures of three minor injury units at Armagh, Whiteabbey and Bangor would be temporary – until the end of the financial year.

 

“We are now well into the new financial year, and there is absolutely no sign of services being restored. From speaking to Whiteabbey based staff, I am aware that services have been completely taken away from the MIU.

 

“There have been no indications from the Minister of Health or the Health Trust that they are coming forward with a consultation process about permanent closure.  It looks like what I warned could happen has happened.  Last November I said, “I hope the temporary closure at Whiteabbey will not be as temporary as the temporary closure at the City Hospital A&E is turning out to be. The City Hospital Accident and Emergency facility remains closed, 3 years after a similar temporary closure announcement.”

 

It looks like this has turned out to be prophetic.  There is no sign that the closure of Whiteabbey MIU was ever going to be anything but permanent.  I have tabled a question to the Health Minister at Stormont on this issue.  People are rightly angered and they feel have been misled  yet again by the DUP on an important local health matter.”

Beggs urges public to help Police deal with criminals

Following several vicious assaults and the erection of a paramilitary mural in Craigyhill, Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist MLA, has urged the public to assist the PSNI in tackling criminal activity from whatever source it comes and welcome more officers being deployed to Larne.

Roy Beggs MLA the Ulster Unionist Party candidate in the Westminster Election said, “I recently met Superintendent Ryan Henderson and Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley, senior PSNI officers who have a responsibility for policing in Carrickfergus and Larne following the re-organisating of Policing to the new council boundaries.  I highlighted my concern on a number of local policing issues and that response policing officers have been based outside the area, resulting in significant travel time during each shift.  It is clear to me that an increased police presence and engagement with the local community is required to address the recent increase in serious assaults and criminal activity related to gangs.

I was pleased to be advised that in the new policing structure, over 50 response police officers covering Carrickfergus and Larne will be re-deployed to the Larne station and that community policing will be centred in Carrickfergus. 

It is disappointing that some intimidatory paramilitary murals have been erected and some self-appointed judge, jury and executioners believe that they control the community.  It is important that the community works with the PSNI to address issues of concern and for the police to enforce the law in a timely and impartial and basis.  All British citizens must be protected under our Criminal Justice system.  Yes it has flaws and it need to modernise and improve but it is better than the law of the jungle that some would wish to implement.”

Roy Beggs selected as Ulster Unionist Westminster candidate for East Antrim

 

Roy Beggs MLA has been selected as the Ulster Unionist Candidate for East Antrim for the forthcoming General Election.

Mr Beggs said:

“It is a great honour to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist candidate to contest the East Antrim seat in the General Election. If elected I would step down as an MLA so that I could concentrate solely on representing the interests of East Antrim constituents, by participating fully at Westminster. The people have been let down for years by false promises by a part time, double jobbing MP/MLA.

“East Antrim needs and deserves a full time representative at Westminster.  They haven’t had that for a decade.  I am an East Antrim man, born and bred, and offer the electorate a record of 17 years as a hard working elected representative; fighting for improvements in local health care and the retention of vital health services such as  care homes.  My priorities include attracting inward investment and tourism to the area, on the back of the current major improvement to our roads network.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said:

“If the people of East Antrim want to vote for someone who will be a full-time MP, then they have that option in Roy Beggs. Roy has been an energetic advocate at Stormont, gaining a reputation for dogged perseverance for constituents, and forensic examination of government policy. He would be a hardworking and dedicated Member of Parliament for all the people of East Antrim.”