National Delegate Conference 19-22 June
2007
Northern Ireland peace process - UNISON fighting for equality
and public services
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Mike Kirby
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Jane Carolan
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Northern Ireland members are "once again optimistic that a
fair and peaceful future is in sight. A future shared on the basis
of equality and rights", Scotland's Mike Kirby told Conference
as it backed a call to use UNISON's influence to ensure services
and investment are targeted where they are most needed.
"We wish them well and will continue to support them in the
campaign for a new future", added Mike.
Nine years ago, every UNISON Region and the National Executive
publicly supported Northern Ireland colleagues in their high profile
campaign for a 'yes' vote in the referendum on the 'Good Friday'
agreement.
"The following nine years have been marked by political instability,
disappointment, suspension of the assembly, return to direct rule
and a menacing growth in the numbers of young people joininh pramilitary
organisations", said Mike.
Throughout all this time, UNISON and its allies continued to campaign
for peace with justice and against discrimination and equaity.
"We know that it has been a source of deep frustration for
our members in Northern Ireland to witness the achievements of devolved
government in Scotland and Wales whilst being denied the same opportunities",
said Mike.
"That appears to now be changing dramatically. Within two
weeks of the new devolved government, UNISON was invited to give
evidence to the Assembly Scrutiny Committee on PFI. And meetings
with the new ministers are lined up right through July", added
Mike.
Scotland NEC member Jane Carolan played warm tribute to Northern
Ireland activists for their courage and commitment to equality and
working for all of their members.
The motion asked UNISON to use its influence with public sector
decision makers in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland to ensure
that public policy-making. public procurement, infrastructure investment,
economic development and public service location and delivery are
targeted at those areas and groups of greatest need in a clear and
unequivocal effort to disrupt the current patterns of discrimination
and to consolidate a peace process which leave no citizen behind.
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