Poll a chance to challenge the disaster ofBrexit:SF
THE starting guns have been fired in the election.
With Parliament formally dissolved, the battle has officially begun to elect the next one.
The Belfast Telegraph asked the main parties to spell out what they believed the central theme of the election would be.
The DUP insisted the contest was about securing the restoration of Stormont.
But Sinn Fein argued it was about changing the face of politics here to end arrogance and disrespect.
The Ulster Unionists, however, warned the weeks ahead would see an attempt to “destabilise” the Union.
And the SDLP insisted the results could reinforce the province’s vote to remain within the European Union.
Alliance, meanwhile, blasted the last parliamentary term as the most “self-destructive” in living memory.
With five weeks to go before polling day on June 8, the parties will be wary of peaking too soon. They have to sustain the interest of the public, which has already had two elections in the last year, as well as the European referendum.
DUP MP Gavin Robinson said: “This election is an opportunity for people to vote for the Union, and with the DUP they can elect a party with real influence at Westminster to stand up for them.
“Only the DUP can secure the best deal for Northern Ireland as we leave the European Union.
“Whilst the talks at Stormont have been paused, a vote for the DUP is a vote to support the restoration of the Assembly and the Executive.
“It is wrong that key decisions on health, education and issues impacting on people’s lives are held back because of one party’s refusal to move forward.”
But Sinn Fein’s John O’Dowd argued: “In the most recent Assembly election, people came out in huge numbers to make their voice heard (and) sent a clear message that they wanted an end to the politics of arrogance, disrespect and allegations of corruption.
“By voting for Sinn Fein, people showed they wanted equality, integrity and respect.
“Their votes made a difference and now, in this Westminster election, they can make a difference again.
“A vote for Sinn Fein sends a clear message to Theresa May and her Brexiteer allies that we will not accept Brexit, borders or Tory cuts.”
Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said, however: “This election is not a re-run of last year’s referendum on membership of the EU — that boat has sailed. Instead, we should be concen- trating on coming together to get the best deal possible for Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit negotiations and resist those who are attempting to use this election as an attempt to destabilise the Union.
“That means electing Ulster Unionist politicians who will speak up for all the people of Northern Ireland and give them a voice in Westminster.
“There is no point in electing people who won’t turn up but are quite happy to keep claiming the expenses.”
In contrast, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood pointed out his party was prepared to “take the fight” on Brexit to Westminster.
“Theresa May called this election to strengthen her hand for a hard Brexit,” he said.
“If she wants to reinforce the referendum result, then let’s reinforce the decision made by people in Northern Ireland and let’s return as many pro-Europe MPs as possible who will defend the interests of our people.
“You can’t fight Brexit by staying at home and you can’t fight it if your MP won’t turn up.
“We’re prepared to take the fight to the Tories at Westminster.”
And Alliance’s Paula Bradshaw argued: “This parliamentary term has been the most self-destructive in living memory.
“As well as seeing some regressive social policies, Parliament then voted for a process liable to lead to a hard Brexit without due consideration to the devastating effect it would have on both the UK as a whole and the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland in particular.
“The next parliamentary term established after the election needs to have a more progressive outlook, with MPs working in the interest of all.” SINN Fein leader Gerry Adams has called the forthcoming General Election an opportunity for the party to “challenge the disaster that is Brexit”, and accused both unionists and the Government of ignoring the “disastrous” impact of the referendum decision for the UK to leave the EU across the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of Sinn Fein’s election campaign in Newry, Co Down, he insisted that the whole of the island must remain within the EU.
Last year Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU by a majority of 56% to 44%.
“This election is an opportunity to put forward our alternative and to point out that the Democratic Unionist Party and the Ulster Unionist Party are ignoring the vote of the people of the North, their people,” the Sinn Fein president said.
He added: “It is especially crucial that we stand up to and challenge the disaster that is Brexit.
“We believe that the interests of citizens on this island requires that the North be designated a special status within the EU.
“All of Ireland would remain within the EU and the North would have full access to the EU, including to the Common Agricultural Programme and the Peace programmes.”
He said Brexit will have a “detrimental effect” on jobs and businesses, especially in the agriculture and agri-food sector, and accused Prime Minister Theresa May of having no “Irish interests of any kind”.
“Her only interest is Brexit. Her only interest is British or English national interest,” he said.
Mr Adams added: “Last June the majority of citizens in the North voted to remain.
“We have to defend that democratic vote.
“Our task must be to challenge those parties that support Brexit.”
Mr Adams said that Newry, where last night’s event took place, is “a border town that relies on the free movement of business, and people and goods”.
“Brexit threatens the prosperity of Newry and of the entire border region,” he said.