May 2011
could be decision time for our would be MLAs and Councillors. The Environment Minister Arlene Foster is talking about a combined election that month to both the Assembly and our eleven proposed super councils. If both happened on the same day our budding politicians might have to choose between Stormont and their local council - easy enough for some, but maybe not for those who would be sure of becoming a councillor but not so sure of becoming an MLA. They wouldn't get a chance to try their hand at the Assembly first and then turn to their council if they fail to make it into Stormont.
The council legislation will rule out the dual mandate, by which MLAs have held on to their council seats. But what about the other dual mandate? The Ulster Unionist Sammy Gardiner has asked Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness to provide a timescale for ending Westminster/Stormont double jobbing. The North Antrim MP and Mid Ulster MP answer in the following terms "Disqualification for membership of the Assembly is a reserved matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and therefore not one for which the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has any direct responsibility".
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Hi Mark
I welcome the statement by the Minister that there will be no dual mandate for MLA and councillors it should be brought in at the end of this term 2009 to give new councillors time to prepare for the supper council in 2011 as for stormont election in 2011 MP should not be allowed to stand so when a Westminster election comes around its make your mind up time London or Belfast witch is more important or is it all about money.One person one JOB
Kitty McShane
A reserved matter under the 1998 act was the result of D Trimble's negotiations. Surely the First Minister would not want to hide behind that. Unfortunately politicians have become greedy and forgot the many struggling to make ends meet. A much better educated and questioning population no longer lift their hats to these esteemed leaders and many could do the job much better and they know it.