Political leaders incapable of defeating sectarianism?

3.50.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th May 2006

Young Alliance Chairperson Ian James Parsley

Young Alliance Chairperson Ian James Parsley has said that even if the Assembly sets up a new Northern Ireland Executive, the leadership required to destroy sectarianism will simply not exist.

The North Down Councillor stated: "What hope do we have of political leaders taking us on from our divided society, if they themselves are divided along the same familiar tribal lines?

"The truth is it is not in Unionism's or Nationalism's interests politically to bring the divisions crashing down, because they are both based on division. Yet it is those divisions that cause sectarianism, with ongoing tragic results.

"Small wonder that so many people are turning away from what we in Northern Ireland call 'politics'. Populist leaders would rather hold out and play the 'blame game' or hold out for their ideal constitutional settlement, than end the divisions those debates are founded upon.

"'Politics' should be about a better deal for our communities, an improved health service, a better education system - but few in Northern Ireland see 'politics' as anything to do with those things. That is a denial of democracy - and it is caused by the segregationist forces of Unionism and Nationalism feeding off each other.

"It is time Unionism and Nationalism both illustrated clearly what they are going to do to broaden their appeal and perspective - or for them both to admit their role in carving up this society to the detriment of everyone. If it is the latter, it is time for the introduction of real 'politics', that will end the 'sectarian comfort zone' that too many people are becoming used to."

ENDS