Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Part of Private Members’ Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 5:00 pm on 3 November 2009.

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Photo of Basil McCrea Basil McCrea UUP 5:00, 3 November 2009

I am sorry, but I have already made it clear that I will not give way.

The terrorist activity was perpetrated by people who believed that violence was the way forward. However, ladies and gentlemen, that is not the way forward. Mr Attwood mentioned moving forward without consensus. However, if we have learnt anything, surely it is that without agreement there cannot be progress. There is no way forward unless we all agree. As a democrat, I believe that this House, and this House alone, should have primacy in ensuring that we do what is right for all the people of Northern Ireland. Of the contributions made by my colleagues on the Benches to my left, I was particularly struck by that of Simon Hamilton, who quoted Brice Dickson.

No one here talks about responsibility or the cost of implementing a bill of rights.