UUP Fermanagh representative Tom Elliott with party colleagues
FERMANAGH’S UUP representative Tom Elliott has revealed there is potential for a “limited agreement” for some issues at the centre of Stormont’s talks crisis but, he admitted he is sceptical an overall agreement will be reached.
Describing the discussions as, a “frustrating process”, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said there is a danger if only a part-agreement is set in place for resolving outstanding disputes over parades, flags, the past and welfare reform.While the talks ended without an agreement last week after a financial package was rejected by Stormont, the Unionist representative is back before the Assembly this week with the other political parties.
“Obviously, it’s a frustrating process to say the least. When you think you are making progress, it then goes backways. Things change quite quickly, you can never say that you are closer to a deal. They (other parties) have the ability to take a different twist,” he said.
“If the Executive can’t get their finances resolved and their own budget, then the chances of getting the other issues resolved are probably very limited.
“We have taken the view that, yes, they naturally are looking for help and assistance from them (UK government) but the Executive can also help themselves to some extent. We have made some suggestions which in some way can address the funding shortfalls.
“We are sitting in times of austerity, you have to cut your cloth and put those issues that are not absolutely necessary at the moment on to the back-burner.
“Some parties don’t want to give up on some of those issues, they don’t feel like weighing back and putting things off whereas we think that’s the reality of life.”
Mr Elliott felt it was a “misjudgement” in bringing Prime Minister, David Cameron and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Stormont last week when they were not in a position to finalise a deal.
The UUP man went on to describe the financial offer put forward by the UK Prime Minister as a package “dressed up to look attractive”.
“There were other offers, but they weren’t offers of direct financial assistance, more in ways and means of loans. It wasn’t as attractive package as some may tried to dress it up as.
“If there was better goodwill from our own Executive and better management process of our budget, then probably the Prime Minister would be more sympathetic to provide better assistance.
“You can’t always be going begging for more money, you have to try to help yourself. You always find some progress in some areas, but, if it’s not enough for all parties, then it puts it back. Sometimes there’s things in there you don’t always like.
“So, while there is potential for a limited agreement on some aspects, I’m not sure what an overall wide ranging agreement will be, and that’s the danger.
“Once you get part agreement, it always leaves a lot of things hanging there and it’s no time before you are back for further discussions.”
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