Fermanagh and South Tyrone - Ulster Unionist Party

17/06/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀' 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗢𝗗-𝗡𝗜𝗢 𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘁, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗻

Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has said yesterday’s resignation speech by former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has confirmed long-standing claims that a difficult relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office lies behind repeated delays to the Troubles Bill.

Robin Swann MP said:

“It has long been recognised that the fracturous relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office was what had delayed and stalled the Troubles Bill. Al Cairns’ comments yesterday has put that firmly on the record.

“Unfortunately the record, and previous comments from the new Defence Ministerial team, would have me questioning if their opposition to the persecution of veterans and lack of support of victims will be as resolute.”

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has labelled a Fine Gael plan to develop a blueprint for a unified island as a pet project and says any constitutional change rests solely with the people of Northern Ireland.

Jon Burrows MLA commented:

“Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom, and it is increasingly clear that many who aspire to a united Ireland are frustrated that support for constitutional change is no closer today than it was at the time of the Belfast Agreement.

“The constitutional future of Northern Ireland rests solely with the people who live here. I am confident in the case for the Union - a Union that strengthens our economic security, underpins our national security, and has helped secure the most peaceful and prosperous period in our history.

“Today, terrorism is at an historic low, people are free to identify as British, Irish or both, and citizens move across these islands without restriction. Most people are not preoccupied with constitutional upheaval; they are focused on improving public services, growing the economy, creating opportunity and making Northern Ireland the best possible place to live and raise a family.

“Simon Harris is entitled to produce whatever “blueprint” he wishes for Irish unity, but it is entirely reasonable to ask whether this is truly what was envisaged when the 1998 Belfast Agreement was signed - particularly when the Irish State amended its constitution and repealed Articles 2 and 3, removing its territorial claim over Northern Ireland.

“There is also a growing disconnect between sections of the political class and ordinary people. Recent polling in the Republic of Ireland showed that Irish unity barely registered as a public priority. At a time of significant pressures on healthcare, housing, infrastructure and the cost of living, politicians should focus on the real and immediate concerns of the people they serve rather than pursuing constitutional pet projects.

“My focus remains firmly on making Northern Ireland work better, strengthening our place within the United Kingdom, and unlocking the enormous potential of this part of our country.”

10/06/2026

✍Statement from Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA

30/05/2026

Councillor Victor Warrington ✍️

Is Sinn Féin's disastrous record in government down to incompetence, or is there a deliberate strategy to push Northern Ireland towards a point of no return?

Northern Ireland has enormous potential. We have a skilled workforce, world-class tourism opportunities, innovative businesses and people who want to see their communities prosper. Yet year after year we see that potential squandered.

Sinn Féin's constant claims of "momentum" towards a united Ireland are beginning to ring hollow. Their poor performance in recent by-elections in the Republic, including one in Mary Lou McDonald's own backyard, suggests that many voters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the party's priorities and delivery.

Whether at Stormont or in local government, too much time is spent on issues that do little to improve the daily lives of ordinary people. Debates around the Irish language, bilingual signage and international causes may appeal to activists, but they do nothing to reduce waiting lists, improve educational outcomes, fix crumbling infrastructure or create economic growth.

The public deserve better. We need governments at every level focused relentlessly on the fundamentals: better healthcare, stronger education, improved roads and infrastructure, economic development and attracting investment.

Instead, we hear the same tired excuses. Westminster is blamed for every problem, while serious conversations about reform, efficiency and revenue-raising measures are avoided. Leadership is about making difficult decisions, not simply demanding more money from someone else.

Northern Ireland's future will not be secured through constitutional slogans. It will be secured by competent government, sound public services and policies that improve people's lives. That's where the focus should be.

24/05/2026