Nigel Dodds demands that the rest of the Union should have less money so the NI Executive can waste more. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The DUP has today demanded a reduction in spending by the Treasury on other parts of the Union in favour of an increase in spending in Northern Ireland. That’s official. I have it in black and white.
Nigel Dodds MP, in a media release dated today, has demanded more money for Northern Ireland from the UK Treasury. While the DUP/Sinn Fein Coalition has overseen the squandering of £Millions on policing associated with the flag riots, Mr Dodds has now asked the Treasury to increase the block grant to Northern Ireland. The consequence, of course, if the Treasury agreed to this, would be that other government departments would have to pay the price. So much for being in this together. So much for the Union. When it comes to allocation of a finite amount of Treasury funds, the DUP couldn’t care less about the rest of the Union.
According to Mr Dodds’ press release:
“It is essential that the NIO works closely with the Treasury to see what help can be given in the present circumstances to Northern Ireland. We are suffering from the severe cut backs in the Block Grant which have deprived the Northern Ireland Executive of vital funds in both revenue and capital.”
His release continues…
“It is more important than ever that adequate funding is available to tackle serious social and economic issues and the NIO and Whitehall has a grave responsibility to make their actions match their words. Addressing the issues of housing, educational under achievement, lack of employment and health inadequacies simply cannot be done properly by the Executive if it is being squeezed financially by the Whitehall Treasury.”
There you have it. No bargaining. No arguing about how the NI Executive might try to save or show examples of improved efficiency. No – just “give us more”.
But, thankfully, I think the Treasury will ignore him.
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