A Life in Beta

BIUF I was delighted to be invited last week by Thomas Lowe and Chris Punch to the launch of their new London based NI Political Networking group – the British Irish Ulster Foundation (note the timeless challenges of finding a universally suitable and inclusive (read inoffensive) name for any cross-Northern Ireland Political interest organisation!).

The aims of BIUF are set out on their website. The principle is a good one and for those of us in London with an active interest in NI Politics it’s another good reason to congregate, speculate and gesticulate on all matters Norn Iron. The first event, held in The Houses of Parliament last week saw a solid crowd brave the inimitable evening HoP queues to hear from Cllr Ian Parsley, Alisdair McDonnell and Welsh Labour MP, Chris Ruaneon the topic: “The future of Stormont: building bridges, breaking ties”.

It was an interesting evening. I personally came away most impressed with Cllr Parsley – who I had been aware of by reputation alone. I’m probably an easy sell though being someone whose interest in NI politics is solely on matters of political (i.e. not tribal) ideology. And it is for those reasons that I am actually a little excited to see where the likes of Cllr Parsley see the Conservative UU Party alliance going. If the Conservatives can really make this about something broader than the preservation of the Union then I think they might surprise some people in how attractive they could become. If they get caught up in the traditionally narrow political agenda of Union-ism at the expense of all else then it will be a real shame, not just for them but for those of us who are desperate to see an ongoing “normalisation” of political debate in NI.

Anyway – I though Cllr Parsley spoke well. He was reflective, considered and provocative when necessary. He clearly has a challenging time ahead but I will watch on with interest.

SDLP’s Alasdair McDonnell however, did not perform as well. And that’s a shame for me as the SDLP is my natural political party. But I fear for them – I’m not sure I or they are entirely clear on where they are going or how they plan to get there. None of the SDLP leadership candidates – in my opinion – offer a remotely viable alternative to the leaders of the other parties (damning praise indeed) and as one of my friends – a Conservative PPC in the next GE married to a SDLP supporter texted me a few weeks ago: “Watching Spotlight in NI. Margaret Ritchie is on. If this is the best SDLP have to offer god help you and them”. What a shame. Oh the cruel irony that is their (and the UUPs) isolation as a consequence of the Good Friday Agreement.

My biggest source of surprise (and disappointment) on the night was Dr McDonnell’s response to my question on reflections to the recent NI IREP. Mr McDonnell stated that the future for the NI economy was in “small, one and two person” companies and not “these big multi-nationals…who eventually sail off to Malaysia or wherever”. I and the delightful (but I’ll leave un-named for their own protection) Invest NI attendee (who I met at the end of the evening) seated beside me could hardly believe our ears. I made the point later in the night that I was sure NYSE would be delighted to hear that on the back of their creating 400 well paid jobs the week before. I’m not saying there is no place for SMEs – of course there is and must continue to be – but as an act of suppressing economic development, all but dismissing MNCs as potential investment partners for Northern Ireland Inc takes some beating.

Chris Ruane spoke well but had an easier task in presenting findings on the dire state of education in some parts of NI with ELBs in debt and large swathes of young people (from geographic locations commonly associated with social deprivation and exclusion – (surprise surprise) leaving school with no qualifications (at all). Sobering stuff and another reminder of the real issues of the day we need to see Stormont addressing. The night ended with some time honoured drinks and networking where I had the pleasure of meeting a number of attendees – all of whom impressed with their intellect and insight. Generally it was a fine start for BIUF and I look forward to being part of the network as it grows.

Well done Tom and Chris.

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