With news breaking this afternoon that /u/JubileeAyr has assumed the position of Minister for Communities following /u/Model-Eddy taking a step back, I am pleased to welcome the new Minister and MLA to one of the more challenging portfolios in Government. However, the new Minister, whilst they are faced with challenges in their portfolio, is also presented with a slew of opportunities to reaffirm the commitment of the executive to respecting the Unionist communities of Northern Ireland.
Investing in Unionist culture
In the past, I have been fortunate enough to work with the UWP on many issues, and know that elements of their leadership are committed to ensuring that the rich history of the Northern Irelands Unionist community is respected and preserved. One particular area of interest for me surrounds the provision of investment into those communities, specifically around the Ulster-Scots language.
It would be encouraging to see the new Communities Minister present a plan to the assembly and to the people of Northern Ireland, as to what their plans are to see greater investment into the specific aspects of Unionist culture.
Reviewing the Parades Commission
I've made no secret of my dislike for the parades commission over the years, which I view as ill-suited for the function it must now perform. more often than not it serves as a cudgel to bash Unionism, rather than an effective regulatory organisation.
For many Unionists, such as myself, a review of the current structure and intention of the parades commission would go a long way to reassuring the community that it had their best interests at heart.
Protection of Freedom of Religion
Since I joined the assembly, nearly four years ago, freedom of religion has been something many can attest, I have not stopped talking about. Simply put, freedom of religion no longer exists in Northern Ireland in any meaningful sense of the word, and I for one would like to see the Communities Minister commit to:
Allow the reintroduction of faith schools, which were banned in Northern Ireland nearly three years ago.
Commit to increasing the security of religious buildings, which have seen an increase in arson and attack over the past four years, up from 12 incidents to 260 a year.
There can be no denying that the new Communities Minister has much to do, but in doing it all, they must not forget that the Unionist community, needs representation.
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