All aboard the gravy train!

Ulster Unionist Larne Councillor Mark McKinty has criticised Translink CEO Catherine Mason after it emerged her annual salary is being increased to a total of £198,000 per year when new pension provisions are accounted for.

Speaking at a residents meeting in Larne last Friday, Cllr McKinty said, "Given the underlying pressures on Translink with rising fuel costs and day to day operations, it would make more sense to keep pay for senior management and executives under tight control, something the Assembly Executive seems to have no interest in doing.  Furthermore, despite targets of 20% being put in place in last decade to move people from private transport to public transport, Translink have failed misserably in this area, with only a 7% change over".

This pay hike comes in a week when Northern Ireland has been identified as having the most expensive fuel costs in the UK. Cllr McKinty continued "There is an appetite for cost effective, punctual and reliable public transport in Northern Ireland. Not a week goes past that constituents don't raise fuel costs with me and say they wish public transport was more accessible and indeed flexible. The Translink CEO accepting such a high salary, surrounded by the threat of Translink service cuts and a number of redundancies recently announced, undermines confidence in public opinion towards Translink. The Executive should be doing more to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of public transport and our new trains, which are still arriving fortnightly (above)".

Following these revelations, it has emerged that significant rises in rail and bus fares could be on the cards because Translink is expected to head towards a multi-million pound loss in the coming years.

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) had expected the publicly-owned company to prepare a plan which would allow it to break even financially across the group which includes NI Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus. However, figures show that it will actually slip into the red after this year.

The report anticipates Translink will make a profit of £2m this year (2012-2013) but will then start to make significant losses with a deficit of £11.6m expected in 2013-2014, and £10.5m the following year (2014-15).

Commenting on the recent news, Cllr McKinty said: "It is absolutely ludicrous that the public are being asked to pay more to keep Translink afloat. In a time of austerity, when everyone has to monitor income and expenditure, Translink need to take a very serious look at their own spendin, and urgently implement a range of efficiency savings across the board whilst still maintaining the current service level. I have no doubt that this will be a difficult exercise, but the company simply cannot resort to fare increases when their books don't balance".

"We are currently in the process of accepting delivery of 20 new trains for our rail network, yet Translink seem set on deterrin people from using the new stock. I have been involved in lobbying for retention of the Larne-Whitehead section of the Larne Line; these fare increases will do nothing to encourage people back onto the trains in sufficient numbers to guarantee the line's future" said Cllr McKinty.

"What smacks in the face of most commuters is that Translink's CEO, and no doubt other senior management, are being rewarded with increased pay, whilst the company is losing money. Senior staff need to be in touch with passengers on the ground." Concluding Cllr McKinty added "I will be raising this issue with Mike Nesbitt MLA, our party leader, to see how the Ulster Unionist Party can force the Executive to encourage salary restraint in organisations engaged in delivery of public services".

McKinty Welcomes Larne Line Reprieve

Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed last week's confirmation from Translink that the previously discussed reductions in train services from Belfast/Whitehead to Larne will not now proceed, and some time has been bought to reassess the viability and demand on the route.

Speaking to residents in Larne today, Cllr McKinty said "The rail link between Whitehead and Larne is of vital importance to domestic users and to businesses. I am glad Translink have listened to representations made by local politicians, including myself, member of the Larne Line Passenger Group (LLPG), and local business/community representatives, and are prepared to continue monitoring the line, rather than cut services".

While the proposed reduction has been put on hold temporarily subject to ongoing review and monitoring, Cllr McKinty, who was involved in the organisation of the recent LLPG public meeting in Larne, reitterated the importance of residents in the wider East Antrim area to utilise train services. "We will only be able to guarantee the long-term survival and investment in our railways if people continue to use them for work, social travel, and if they are marketed effectively for tourists visitors to the region" he said.  "We have been thrown a lifeline, and won this battle, but that is not to say Translink could determine sometime in the future the service has got to go.  It is now up to everyone who values this essential public transport link to start using it more frequently and indeed up to local politicians and Government to make sure the service offered meets with customer demands".

Cllr McKinty concluded, "I am making further representations to see how we can limit further price hikes in fares, which could  potentially result in lower commuter demand. I acknowledge there has been no fare increase for the past 2 years, and the proposed 3% increase falls well below inflation over that time. However, while we all need to be conscious of the effects of rising operating costs, we also need to keep to the forefront of our minds value for money and wider economic implications at the loss of such a service. In order to assist my representations, I would encourage residents to contact me with any information which may be relevant".

Email: mmckinty@gmail.com

Mobile: 07771 925546

Concern over Vandalism at NI Water Wastewater Pumping Station in Larne

Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has voiced his concern about a recent break in at a pumping station in Larne. 

 

"This is a serious act of vandalism at the wastewater pumping station. Parts of the surrounding fencing were damaged and vital equipment was stolen during the break-in." said Cllr McKinty. "This had the potential to lead to a serious level of pollution."

Highlighting the potential dangers, Cllr McKinty branded the act "wreckless": "This is one of a series of thefts in the Borough recently which not only risks the vandal's life, but also members of the general public. Fencing used to keep people away from dangerous equipment has been damaged, and young children could easily gain access to the site".

"Furthermore, the cost of repairs will be passed on to local residents, and this vandalism will only set back any planned or potential improvements to services for the local community.

NI Water representative, Gavin McCready, who has been dealing with the break-in, explained: “NI Water would like to stress that there are serious risks, not only to those carrying out the break-in, but also to the public and the environment. "

“We would appeal to those involved to think about their behaviour and stop immediately".

Cllr McKinty continued: "NI Water's resources must be protected for the local community. We must all support and protect these vital services and I would call on those engaging in these acts to cease immediately. Anyone with any information or who sees suspicious activity should report it immediately to NI Water or the Police".

To report an incident at any NI Water site, please phone Waterline on 08457 440088

Ulster Unionist Councillor in SF reality check

An Ulster Unionist Councillor has labelled this weekend’s remarks on a united Ireland strategy as “pie in the sky and lacking in any logical evidence”. Following remarks made by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams TD, Cllr Mark McKinty from Larne stated “Sinn Fein need to come into the real world and realise that their aspirations make no political or economic sense”.

Speaking in Cork, Gerry Adams offered a 7-point plan with key strategic goals aimed at securing a United Ireland. “This weekend’s Easter Rising celebrations have once again focussed on the issue of Northern Ireland’s constitutional position” said Cllr McKinty. “I am keen to address this debate, to challenge these claims, and offer a credible alternative to the SF position, one which will command an overwhelming majority of the people living, working and building a shared future in Northern Ireland.

Cllr McKinty: "Northern Ireland has the capacity to deliver a shared future for everyone regardless of religion, political affiliation, colour, gender, age, sexuality or nationality."

●   To popularise re-unification as viable, achievable and in the best interests of all and to build consensus for this;

“Whilst I respects the rights of Nationalists and Republicans to campaign for a United Ireland by consent, I unashamedly believe that remaining within the UK is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland. Thus far, no practical blueprint has been put forward by Sinn Fein addressing the many social, economic and cultural issues which make Northern Ireland so different to the Republic of Ireland” he said. “To this end, I would question to what extent SF understands the complexities surrounding such aspirations, and furthermore question how, in the absence of such a blueprint, they can conclude that it is not only a viable alternative, but in the best interests of all. For over 30 years Sinn Fein has contested elections in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland on a platform for reunification and each and every time the electorate has democratically and resoundingly rejected that aspirational policy.”

●   To encourage all non-unionist political parties and sections of civic society to become persuaders and actors for reunification;

“Since the 1998 Belfast Agreement, the Irish Government and British Government have remained strong advocates of the political institutions established in Northern Ireland. The amendment of Articles 2 & 3 of the Irish Constitution further highlights the support of Irish citizens that Northern Ireland is best placed to look after its own affairs within the framework of the United Kingdom. All political parties in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and in Great Britain are free to unilaterally formulate their own policy positions on Northern Ireland. It is clear; the only party in any jurisdiction seeking a change in Northern Ireland’s position is the Sinn Fein party.” He continued: ”I fail to see how any significant portion of political opinion or civic society could ever blindly become persuaders and actors for reunification without a fully costed blueprint addressing the complexities of reunification”.

●   To convince a section of unionist opinion that their identity, self-interest and quality of life will be best served, secured and guaranteed in a united Ireland;

Continuing his challenge of the 7-point plan, the Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor continued: “I am ambitious for all the people of Northern Ireland. Throughout its long history, my Party has endeavoured to reach out beyond our traditional support base wherever and whenever the circumstances allowed, and I maintain this example. However, the strong roots which knit together the patchwork of opinion within Unionism enjoy a particular cultural identity which I believe Sinn Fein consistently fails to understand, respect or is willing to protect. Sinn Fein only wishes to convince a "section of Unionist opinion" clearly demonstrates they only want percentage points and do not have any interest in representing all shades of opinion in Northern Ireland. The economic and social standard of living in Northern Ireland is significantly higher than presently enjoyed in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is afforded the wider protection of the United Kingdom economy, in which all citizens can thrive. Furthermore, through the framework of the UK, Northern Ireland is afforded a voice on an international stage in terms of economic policy, peace and conflict resolution, and tourism, to name but a few examples.“

“Sinn Fein offers Unionism no blueprint or framework by which Unionists can measure these claims that our self-interest and quality of life will be best served, secured and guaranteed in a united Ireland. In actual fact, the Republic of Ireland cannot afford these guarantees to its exiting citizens let alone an additional 1.7 million people.When Sinn Fein cannot even bring themselves to respect the National Parliament of the United Kingdom by taking their elected seats and representing their constituents, of whatever make-up, while at the same time claiming expenses, it demonstrates to Unionists a lack of respect, understanding and sincerity on their part.”

●   To challenge those who would seek to maintain the status quo;

Engaging in this debate, Cllr McKinty replied: “Once again I would question Sinn Fein’s total understanding and commitment to a united Ireland when after almost 15 years of supporting Northern Ireland’s institutions, the party have still yet to publish any definitive and realistic blueprint as to how a transition would work, and how ultimately such a transition would be funded. In order to challenge those who would seek to maintain the status quo, recent findings would suggest not only does Sinn Fein have to convince Unionist voters, but also a growing and more sophisticated population often referred to as ‘Status Quo Catholics’ or ‘Pro-union Catholics’. Northern Ireland has the capacity to deliver a shared future for everyone regardless of religion, political affiliation, colour, gender, age, sexuality or nationality, and this is the Northern Ireland which I want to see prosper and excel”.

●   To ensure the Irish Government act on the constitutional imperative of reunification;

“As an elected representativ, I will continue to work closely with the Irish Government and opposition parties in the Republic of Ireland to ensure the interests of Northern Ireland are kept firmly on the political agenda. I do not believe it is the wish of the Irish Government to change the constitutional position of Northern Ireland, or move away from the 1998 Belfast Agreement structures. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD on 27th March 2012 at an address in Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, stated he did not foresee a timescale for reunification and that he supported fully the position of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. He further stated that, under the Belfast Agreement's terms, “if the peoples North and South were to decide by a referendum on the one day as to whether to have an island entity, an all-island, all-Ireland entity or not, that the governments would abide by these decisions”. I do not believe such an aspiration exists within any section of society in Northern Ireland, or, indeed within the Republic of Ireland. On the ground, and outside the romantic Sinn Fein bubble of a road-map to unification, the majority of the Northern Irish population want to see Northern Ireland prosper within the UK, and continue to grow, as we have witnessed in recent years.”

●   To encourage the British Government to become persuaders for reunification;

Cllr McKinty continued: “I will continue to work closely with the British Government, opposition parties, and local and devolved government throughout the United Kingdom to reaffirm Northern Ireland’s integral position within the UK. Prime Minister David Cameron is one of a majority of MPs to have repeatedly declared their political allegiance to maintain the historic Union between Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. While I accept and appreciate the unique identity within each home nation of the UK, the historical, cultural, social, economic and political ties bind us a Union which has succeeded in affording protection, prosperity and political stability which endures. Furthermore, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Patterson MP, recently confirmed there are very few indications in favour of a referendum on Northern Ireland. I concur that forcing such a referendum would be the result of ideology, not statistical evidence.”

Cllr McKinty: "Northern Ireland ... an innovative place to do business, a safe place to live and raise a family, an exciting place to visit and enjoy, a great place to study, and a country which sees all sections of the community prosper together".

●   To build on international political and practical support for reunification drawing in particular on the support and influence of the diaspora.

“The importance of the Northern Ireland diaspora cannot be overstated” stated Cllr McKinty. “I am well aware and proud of the contribution made throughout the world by sons and daughters of Northern Ireland in the fields of sport, business, show business & music, arts & literature, politics and the military. Laying claim to past Presidents of the USA, footballing icons through to stars of stage and screen, I believe also the debate should be wide, inclusive and factual. While everyone’s input to the debate is to be encouraged and welcomed. Once again I ask, without any blueprint for reunification, how can those who ultimately decide, weigh up the debate so obsessed over by Sinn Fein? While acknowledging the importance of wider contribution to the debate, the only people who can decide Northern Ireland’s future as those living within it.”

Cllr McKinty concluded: “I will continue to argue the case for Northern Ireland as an innovative place to do business, a safe place to live and raise a family, an exciting place to visit and enjoy, a great place to study, and a country which sees all sections of the community prosper together. The Sinn Fein aspiration of a United Ireland may seem romantic, idealistic and desirable to some, but without a blueprint and facts, it remains an ill-thought out manoeuvre jeopardising the economic, social and political success Northern Ireland has enjoyed in recent years, and look forward to welcoming SF back into the real world.“

ENDS

Ulster Unionists help plant out Jubilee Park

As part of the Diamond Jubilee 2012 celebrations, I, along with fellow local Ulster Unionist representatives, Roy Beggs MLA  and Ald Roy Beggs, assisted Parks Staff with the tree planting event organised by Larne Borough Council, in partnership with The Woodland Trust at Jubilee Park, Glynn.

Forming part of a UK-wide scheme aimed at increasing woodland cover to celebrate the Queen's historic 60th anniversary, around 6 million trees will be planted around the country, including many within Larne Borough.

Roy Beggs MLA said; "The Jubilee Park was opened in June 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee and the play ground had been up-graded in recent years following an active local community campaign. It is very appropriate to further enhance the park in 2012 as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebrations.”

The variety of trees planted will form a woodland copse of species native to Northern Ireland and will complimnent the surrounding woodland and wildlife habitats. 

Cllr Mark McKinty said, “Jubilee Park has a lot of history and is a great location. The riverside park is a wonderful local asset for the Village of Glynn and by planting additional trees in Queen’s Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year, we will not only be enriching the environment, but also creating an important community space for future generations - I look forward to visiting this site and watching the trees grow”.

I encourage you to visit this magnificnt site in the Glynn... the backdrop of hills and mature trees is beautiful, along with the  sound of running water in the river on one side and a small burn on the other.

The tree planting event took place last Friday, 6th April from 9-5pm. Trees were provided free of charge and everyone was welcome to take part.

Plant a tree at Jubilee Park, Glynn

As part of the Diamond Jubilee 2012 celebrations there will be a tree planting event in partnership with The Woodland Trust at Jubilee Park, Glynn this Friday (Good Friday) 6th April 2012 from 9.00am to 5.00pm. 

The trees will form a woodland copse of species native to Northern Ireland. Staff will be on hand during the day and you are welcome to attend at any time. Entrance is via Church Lane and over the new bridge and trees will be provided on the day.

Jubilee Park opened in June 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. In the summer of 2008 work began on the refurbishment of Jubilee Park and this was reopened in early September 2008, coinciding with the beginning of the new school term.

I am looking forward to supporting this event, which forms part of a wider programme of celebrations within Larne Borough, the UK and the Commonwealth. It will also form part of a UK-wide initiative of tree planting which not only helps the environment, but will remain for generations as a lasting tribute to a lifetime of service and loyalty shown by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Se you on Friday, and remember your outdoor shoes or wellies!