Maiden Speech to the House of Commons - A Prosperous Ireland can come from Within

Mr Speaker.

 

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I greatly appreciate the opportunity to make my maiden speech in a debate about economic affairs and in particular about the services and assistance we provide for our most disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens. This is a subject close to my heart not least because it was, until very recently, part of my responsibilities as Minister for Social Development in the devolved Northern Ireland Government - but also because concern for the disadvantaged and the vulnerable has always been at the top of my political agenda and that of my Party. The SDLP is here to serve.

 

No-one, Mr Speaker, better personifies dedicated public service and a lifelong desire to improve the lives of fellow citizens than my predecessor Eddie McGrady. While it is traditional on occasions such as this to acknowledge the contribution of one’s predecessor, I do not need to rely on that convention. Eddie McGrady has been an extraordinary contributor to making Northern Ireland a better place for its people – across a career spanning 50 years of steadfast public service. Unlike others, his leadership style has not been loud or bellicose. Instead he is a member of that elite group of statesmen and politicians who make progress for everyone through their wisdom, dedication, patience and hard work. For me personally he has been a role model, a wise counsel and a true friend.  I am proud of what he has done and I believe that even in retirement he will do more.

 

 

 

The evidence of Eddie McGrady’s endeavours is there to be seen all across the beautiful constituency of South Down. New hospital facilities, colleges, better roads, expanded employment opportunities and revitalised tourism and leisure developments - all bringing additional work and income to our largely rural and job-hungry constituency.

 

I said South Down was beautiful, and it is.

 

Located in the South Eastern corner of Northern Ireland It boasts at its heart the magnificent Mountains of Mourne. The Mournes play host to Northern Ireland’s highest mountain peaks and cradle the crystal-clear waters of Silent Valley which sustain our capital city of Belfast. South Down also has an extensive and charming coastline, stretching from Carlingford Lough at the Irish border to the South, through the bustling harbour towns of Warrenpoint and Kilkeel and on to Newcastle where, famously, the Mountains of Mourne ‘sweep down to the sea.’  The coastline curves Northwards beyond that again, to the historic town of Downpatrick – the place I call home.

 

Although there is some vibrant manufacturing industry and commerce in the area, the main industries in South Down are agriculture, fisheries and, increasingly, tourism.

Regrettably South Down also has its own pockets of deprivation.  It is a very good example of a place where, if the kind of welfare-to-work initiatives envisaged by the government are to have any success, then there needs to be an accompanying concentration on job creation.

 

For rest assured, there are very few people I know, especially in South Down, who don’t want to work.

 

As Northern Ireland Minister I told the previous Government that a policy of pressing people into work when there are few jobs to go to, could not prosper. And I repeat that message to this new administration. I share the Government’s desire to help more people enjoy the dignity and self-sufficiency that come from gainful employment. But in Northern Ireland, a policy of hounding people away from benefits when there are few new opportunities for employment will only cause hardship and resentment.

 

But let us be positive. I believe we have it within us in the North of Ireland now that all the pointless violence has ended, to make our economy take off for the first time in generations. We are attracted to the possibility of devolving tax-varying powers to the Stormont Executive. Powers that will allow us, for the first time, to compete as equals in the quest for Foreign Direct Investment. I very much welcome the indications from Government that it will help us harmonise corporation tax on the island of Ireland.

 

And we can do more for ourselves in many other areas. Northern Ireland has potentially, a very rich renewable energy resource. It can be at the centre of our plans to develop the green economy. We also have huge potential in our agriculture and food industries to drive for higher added-value. We have a well educated and trained workforce and a world-class broadband infrastructure which can be the platform for the growth of our tradable services sector. We must get all of this moving if we are to be credible in offering work to everyone.

 

I also think Northern Ireland can harvest a major expansion of its tourism industry.

We offer a well priced and absorbing tourism product which is enhanced by high quality hospitality and a genuinely friendly and welcoming people.

 

The potential for tourism development is, I believe, at its most enticing in my own constituency of South Down.

 

Mr Speaker I said that South Down is a beautiful place - but I should also have said that it is a special place.

 

In the Downpatrick area we hold the authentic heritage of our national saint, Patrick. And that is something very special.

 

The whole world celebrates his anniversary on the 17^th of March yet that same world has limited understanding of his story.

 

And it is a powerful and compelling story of bringing Christianity to Ireland and allowing it to blossom in a land of saints and scholars at a time when it was threatened with extinction in Britain and the rest of Europe. Patrick transcends all our historic quarrels in these islands and in particular between the communities in Northern Ireland. He is a unifying figure and his message is one of reconciliation.

 

Patrick was a British Roman and as such was our greatest ever import. He is, and can be even more, our greatest ever export.

 

In special parts of South Down we hold the sites where Patrick first landed in Ireland; where he built his first church; the healing wells where he bathed; the place where he breathed his last and the grave where he now rests.

 

Now, some 15 centuries after his passing, the Patrician legacy has the power to boost our economy and to inspire our community yet further on the road to reconciliation.

 

Mr Speaker I am confident about the future and the ability we have to improve the economy and the living standards of our people. I will work positively here to achieve those objectives.

 

But each week I know I will be returning to a special place. I invite all here to visit South Down, Downpatrick in particular, where they can walk in the footsteps of Patrick.

 

 

       

 

ends

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