Jim Shannon: Is the Ulster-Scots word "nah" acceptable?
Jim Shannon: For those who do not understand, let me explain that "nah" is the Ulster-Scots for "no".
Jim Shannon: Will the Member give way?
Jim Shannon: Heich Convenor, those of us in the Chamber who would like to use the Ulster Scots language are quite happy to have the time for translation included in our 10-minute allocation. I hope that other Members will adopt the same approach.
Jim Shannon: Does the Member not accept that, if fireworks are used correctly and under supervision, there is no problem? In many cases, it is more suitable for children to have a fireworks display in their back garden under the supervision of parents and responsible adults. I would not agree with the Member’s proposal.
Jim Shannon: My question is in relation to the Water and Sewerage Service. When in opposition, the Labour Party opposed privatization of national institutions. Will the Minister confirm that the current Government now supports the privatization of the Water Service? As I understand it, a paper is being prepared by Westminster civil servants at this very moment.Could it be that the proposed water charges...
Jim Shannon: Will the Member give way?
Jim Shannon: It might take me longer to put it over, so my question will not be in Ulster-Scots. Does the Member agree that one of the major differences between the proponents of Irish and those of Ulster-Scots is that the former use their language as a political weapon against our culture? Unlike Irish, the Ulster-Scots language and cultural tradition are to be found in both communities and are...
Jim Shannon: Would Mr Hilditch like to comment on the controversy currently raging in the local press on the match between Donegal Celtic and the RUC? Also, does he agree that the political activists were totally defeated in their spiteful and vindictive interference in football, and in sport in general? I welcome the match, and the football teams, to Castlereagh Park, in my constituency of Newtownards.
Jim Shannon: I welcome the Minister to the Assembly, and I thank him for his prompt responses to my letters. My first question is about the Ambulance Service, specifically in the Ards Peninsula. The ‘Putting it Right’ document talks about making it happen. It says "The development of a highly effective Ambulance Service must be integral to the new arrangements." I want to illustrate the specific...
Jim Shannon: The report signals the death throes of democracy in Northern Ireland. We have been fatally wounded by the Belfast Agreement, and the report aims to hammer the final nails into the coffin of the cause which so many have given their lives to defend. Paragraph 3.7 of the report states "We want to agree upon and implement a programme for government that will succeed in delivering efficient,...
Jim Shannon: Does Mr Agnew agree that the ACE scheme helped the elderly and the disabled and that the ACE scheme helped to create community care? Does he agree that the ACE groups were involved in many environmental schemes?
Jim Shannon: I apologise.
Jim Shannon: In 1966, following criticism from the anti-O’Neillite opposition to the perceived anti-Unionist policies of Terence O’Neill, Lord Brookeborough gave this warning to his party colleagues: "Many of us do not like the way things have been going of late. May I offer grave warning at this time — never at any time can we Unionists afford to forget that in unity, and unity alone, rests all...
Jim Shannon: I appeal to Ulster Unionists to stand by their manifesto pledges and rejoin us as we strive for the return of true democracy in Northern Ireland. What has changed between 1974 and 1999? In 1974, Unionists stood firm and united to oppose the executive interference of Dublin, through the Council of Ireland, in the internal affairs of Northern Ireland. In 1999, some Unionists support executive...
Jim Shannon: I will touch on a couple of issues that are important for the area which I represent. The first relates to farmers and those who apply for dwellings. I have fought a number of cases over the years for people who were born on the land, who own the land, who have their herd numbers and who also own the farm buildings, but who, unfortunately, because of circumstances are part-time farmers. That...
Jim Shannon: I agree. I was about to make another point which would have illustrated that. The North Down and Ards Area Plan was supposed to be finished in 1996, but here we are in 1999 and it is no nearer completion today. We have been told that it might not be finished until 2002. However, we on Ards Borough Council have pressed the point that this plan must be finished by the year 2000. We believe...
Jim Shannon: Elected representatives who have their ears close to the ground will know what local people want. Each elected representative should endeavour to do that. We on Ards Borough Council have prided ourselves on getting the opinion of local people and ensuring that what they want is the focus of our future moves. I turn to out-of-town shopping centres. Mr Sammy Wilson mentioned the D5...
Jim Shannon: Would the Member agree that the problem has been that there are many in this Chamber who use the Irish language as a political tool? Those who use Ulster-Scots — and we heard an demonstration of it a few minutes ago — do so to show the culture and beauty of that language. Ulster-Scots is used as a language; it is not used for any other purpose.
Jim Shannon: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In the light of the tragedy in Scotland in which seven Whithorn fishermen were lost, would it be appropriate for this House to send a letter of sympathy to the appropriate council — in Dumfries, I understand? I represent Portavogie, which has had similar tragedies in the past, and I propose that the House agree to this.