McCarthy fury at lack of Executive action over flags

12.00.00am GMT Wed 20th Feb 2002

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy has written to the Speaker of the Assembly to seek advice on what recourse is available to members when the Executive fails to take any action on an Assembly motion.

On September 24, 2001, the Assembly resolved: "That this Assembly calls on the Executive to establish an interdepartmental working group to make recommendations on the removal of paramilitary flags, emblems and graffiti from public property." However, in a belated reply to an Assembly question last week, the First and Deputy First Minister admitted no working group had been set up."

Mr McCarthy said: "It is unacceptable that the Assembly can unanimously pass a motion, which the Executive then completely ignores."

"This Assembly debate was positive and constructive, yet OFMDFM has blatantly disregarded the overwhelming will of the members. Such disrespect for the expressed wish of the Assembly has led to me to write to the Speaker to seek advice on what recourse is available to members."

"This is not the first time that action demanded by the Assembly has been put on the long finger, and there is a real danger that confidence in the Executive will drain away if the wishes of the Assembly are continually sidelined."

"Yet again, the Executive is guilty of totally failing to deal with one of the fundamental problems in our society; sectarianism."

ENDS.