UUP urged to take up opposition role

Ulster Unionists should consider declining ministerial seats if power sharing is restored and going into opposition instead, one of its Stormont Assembly members said today.

Northern Ireland Policing Board member Fred Cobain claimed the party could benefit from staying out of a power sharing executive and “offering voters a real alternative” as an opposition party.

The North Belfast MLA explained: “What it would do is put clear blue water between us and the Democratic Unionists.

“They would be in government with Sinn Féin. We would not.

“It could reinvigorate the party, enabling us to formulate policies in opposition and challenge the executive on the committees – some of which we would chair.

“It would also be good for devolution in Northern Ireland because up until now you have had the four largest parties forming the executive.

“If one of those parties was to go into opposition, you would have a more viable opposition which can develop and offer alternative policies on health, on roads, on local government and other bread and butter issues.

“What we have so far is a perpetual sectarian merry-go-round which no-one will get off. If we want true accountable government, more meaningful elections and a vibrant democracy, we need a proper opposition.”

If Ulster Unionists were to decline their ministries, it would mean more cabinet seats for the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Mr Cobain’s proposal followed hard on a call earlier this week from Ulster Unionist strategist Alex Kane for the party to focus on itself and its future direction.

Mr Kane warned South Belfast UUP members they must reform or face political extinction.

“Our survival begins by a willingness to face the realities as they are now,” he argued on Monday night.

“It begins by not being afraid to ask the questions about our leader, image, policy and legacy.”