On Thursday 29th April I spoke at a Public Meeting in Antrim Civic Centre. I was invited to speak by CALNI. CALNI are a wonderful group of people joined together, driven by motivation to oppose the plans for an Incinerator on the shores of Lough Neagh, close to the small village of Glenavy.
This Incinerator, the size of Stormont, has been proposed by Rose Energy to be on this particular site and would argue that it is the best place for this Incinerator, which will deal with Chicken Litter to be.
I am completely opposed for this hideous building to be placed anywhere near the beautiful scenic view which the Lough provides.
CALNI set up in January 2008... 2 years later they are still going strong, and successfully managing to pro long the decision of the Environment Minister, who is currently the DUP's Edwin Poots. However, it is now time that this situation is dealt with efectively and efficently. My colleague in the Assembly, South Antrim MLA has called for a full, independent public inquiry into this incinerator, and I would like to echo this call.
The Minister for Environment needs to ACT NOW... and take the decision for this public inquiry. Brushing an issue like this under the carpet is simply not good enough. With over 7000 objections to this incinerator, it is quite clear the public are saying No!
I would also like to thank CALNI for the beautiful picture of Lough Neagh, its not very often politicians are given gifts!
Friday 30 April 2010
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Casting your first vote??
I will be speaking at a debate with the other South Antrim candidates in Ballyclare High School this week. There will be over 150 first time voters from various schools around the constituency listening eagerly to the Westminster candidates.
It was only in 2007, 3 years ago, I cast my first vote for the SDLP in the South Antrim Assembly elections. I can remember the excitement, the talk between my friends of "who did you vote for?"
I know from talking to young people on the doorstep, in schools and even talking to a lot of my friends, young people are feeling more and more disengaged from Politics. They dont know who to vote for or even why they should vote. This should not be the case. Politics is an important aspect of our daily lives, and I feel it is important that the younger members of our society, play a key role.
I am very much looking forward to chatting with the first time voters, find out their opinions and listen to the questions they have to ask me.
It wasn't that long ago I was a student in school listening to politicians mumble and grumble, I am hoping to bring a bit of change to the usual political debate.. and highlight the importance of evyerones involvement in Politics.
It was only in 2007, 3 years ago, I cast my first vote for the SDLP in the South Antrim Assembly elections. I can remember the excitement, the talk between my friends of "who did you vote for?"
I know from talking to young people on the doorstep, in schools and even talking to a lot of my friends, young people are feeling more and more disengaged from Politics. They dont know who to vote for or even why they should vote. This should not be the case. Politics is an important aspect of our daily lives, and I feel it is important that the younger members of our society, play a key role.
I am very much looking forward to chatting with the first time voters, find out their opinions and listen to the questions they have to ask me.
It wasn't that long ago I was a student in school listening to politicians mumble and grumble, I am hoping to bring a bit of change to the usual political debate.. and highlight the importance of evyerones involvement in Politics.
Crumlin welcomes Margaret
Today, Monday 26th April, I welcomed SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie to Crumlin. Walking down the Main Street we spoke to people who stopped Margaret to congratulate her on her fantastic work as Social Development Minister, others who spoke to Margaret about the weather, whilst wishing her all the best in her own constituency of South Down.
A brisk walk down Main Street in the sunshine was then followed by an hour and a half of solid canvassing. The Crumlin residents were very welcoming to both myself and Margaret. Manys a time we were offered a cup of tea, and as tempting as this may have been, we had to carry on with the canvass.
Knock, knock, ring ring, tap tap... 'Will you be voting Sir?' 'You are guarateed my vote, Michelle'
All the above are the sounds of a successful canvass...
A brisk walk down Main Street in the sunshine was then followed by an hour and a half of solid canvassing. The Crumlin residents were very welcoming to both myself and Margaret. Manys a time we were offered a cup of tea, and as tempting as this may have been, we had to carry on with the canvass.
Knock, knock, ring ring, tap tap... 'Will you be voting Sir?' 'You are guarateed my vote, Michelle'
All the above are the sounds of a successful canvass...
Out with the old... in with the new...
On Wednesday 21st April I took part in a debate organised by local radio station 7fm. The debate was with myself, Willie McCrea, Reg Empey and Mitchel McLaughlin.
Before the debate started we had a brief conversation about i-phones and Blackberrys. I found it difficult to concentrate as I looked around the table and suddenly realised that I could have identified these men when I was a 10 year old child... it suddenly hit me how slow and unprogressive Northern Ireland politics has become. It doesn't have to be all about pale, spale, males.
This is one of the main reasons I got involved in Politics, to make a difference, to make change and to encourage our younger politically inspired folk, to come forward and re-engage with politics. For too long we have been looking at the same politicians on TV, the same ones who would rather dig up the political graves of the past than look to the future.
In this election, the SDLP are looking out for your future.
Before the debate started we had a brief conversation about i-phones and Blackberrys. I found it difficult to concentrate as I looked around the table and suddenly realised that I could have identified these men when I was a 10 year old child... it suddenly hit me how slow and unprogressive Northern Ireland politics has become. It doesn't have to be all about pale, spale, males.
This is one of the main reasons I got involved in Politics, to make a difference, to make change and to encourage our younger politically inspired folk, to come forward and re-engage with politics. For too long we have been looking at the same politicians on TV, the same ones who would rather dig up the political graves of the past than look to the future.
In this election, the SDLP are looking out for your future.
Friday 16 April 2010
Politics and Promises
I am giving my promise, that if elected, I will take my seat at Westminster in order to fully represent everyone in South Antrim. I will be a radical voice in Westminster, opposing cuts to our vital public services and making the right decisions on issues of local, regional and global importance.
Given that the power lies in Westminster on crucial issues such as the Northern Ireland block grant, taxation power and EU/foreign policy, it is vital that everyone in South Antrim has a Member of Parliament who will be there to represent them. I will sit in the House of Commons and vote on what is best for us all. As Social Democrats, the SDLP takes your vote as a vote of confidence in our principles. I will, unlike my abstentionist opponent, use the vote you give me in Parliament rather than waste and abuse it.
Sinn Fein are contesting in this Westminster election, but do not take a seat in the House of Commons. This therefore means they represent no-one. Voting Sinn Féin for Parliament is a wasted vote.
With the threat of an incinerator in Glenavy, it is vital that South Antrim have an MP there for them and working for them in Westminster. My colleague and MLA for the area, Thomas Burns has worked extensively on ensuring the incinerator does not come to the Glenavy area. A public consultation is needed to ensure that the voice of local people is heard. If elected, it will be my duty to guarantee those voices are represented. I will be there.
The possibility of a Tory Government will have a detrimental impact on our Health Service. The Accident and Emergency Department in Antrim Area Hospital is in need of a refurbishment, it is vital there is an MP who will be in Westminster to ensure that any proposed cuts to the NHS will not affect Antrim Area Hospital. I will be there.
In a rural constituency such as South Antrim, transport is a major issue. The closure of the Antrim – Lisburn (Knockmore) Railway has left many people in Antrim at a loss. It is important that this constituency is well served with a high standard of bus and rail services. If elected, I will pursue this fervently in Westminster. I will be there.
My 5 point pledge to the people of South Antrim:
1. I will be there to oppose cuts in front line services.
2. I will be there to ensure Northern Ireland receives the full budget which it is entitled to.
3. I will be making sure that MPs' expenses including my own are subject to openness and transparency to ensure efficent expenditure of public money.
4. I will be there to make sure that pensioners who have worked hard all their lives and paid taxes enjoy a comfortable pension.
5. I will be there to represent the students in the North paying extortionate top-up fees.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Doorstep Politics
Well, it is just after 10:30pm and I am not long in from a very successful canvass tonight in Randalstown. I bumped into Sinn Fein candidate, Mitchel McLaughlin tonight, a polite smile and few words exchanged.
I have been canvassing Toome and Randalstown since the start of the week and have been getting a very good reaction from the people on the ground. Folks in these areas are concerned about fuel prices, taxes and the economy, all of these ofcourse are controlled by Westminster. This is one of the reasons why it is essential the people of not only in South Antrim, but right throughout the North are represented at Westminster and that their views are being heard.
My canvassing week officially kicked off in Toome on Monday night. The first house I canvassed was a young woman, in her 30's, with her kids playing round her. This lady said she was not going to vote in this election as she felt there was no point, she was fed up with politicians because, "they do nothing for us."
Well, 10 mins later, after talking to the young woman, and answering questions, she thanked me for my time and as I walked away shouted, "you'll be getting my vote."
This lady is a fine example of the reason why I got into Politics. People feel so disheartened with some of the politicians, and so disengaged. It is important that the people can place their trust in their local Councillor, MLA and MP. The SDLP have always represented the views of the people of the North in Council, Assembly and Westminster. Our Foyle MP Mark Durkan,has secured pensions for those workers in Desmonds, Derry. Dr McDonnell, South Belfast MP supported the Visteon Workers and was the only MP to visit them. Eddie McGrady, South Down MP, is currently pursuing the completion of the Drumaness Sewerage Scheme.
All 3 SDLP MP's have inspired me from a young age, and have always told me,
Politics begins on the ground.
I have been canvassing Toome and Randalstown since the start of the week and have been getting a very good reaction from the people on the ground. Folks in these areas are concerned about fuel prices, taxes and the economy, all of these ofcourse are controlled by Westminster. This is one of the reasons why it is essential the people of not only in South Antrim, but right throughout the North are represented at Westminster and that their views are being heard.
My canvassing week officially kicked off in Toome on Monday night. The first house I canvassed was a young woman, in her 30's, with her kids playing round her. This lady said she was not going to vote in this election as she felt there was no point, she was fed up with politicians because, "they do nothing for us."
Well, 10 mins later, after talking to the young woman, and answering questions, she thanked me for my time and as I walked away shouted, "you'll be getting my vote."
This lady is a fine example of the reason why I got into Politics. People feel so disheartened with some of the politicians, and so disengaged. It is important that the people can place their trust in their local Councillor, MLA and MP. The SDLP have always represented the views of the people of the North in Council, Assembly and Westminster. Our Foyle MP Mark Durkan,has secured pensions for those workers in Desmonds, Derry. Dr McDonnell, South Belfast MP supported the Visteon Workers and was the only MP to visit them. Eddie McGrady, South Down MP, is currently pursuing the completion of the Drumaness Sewerage Scheme.
All 3 SDLP MP's have inspired me from a young age, and have always told me,
Politics begins on the ground.
COUNCILLOR BOBBIE LOUGHRAN ENDORSES SOUTH ANTRIM CANDIDATE MICHELLE BYRNE
SDLP Antrim Councillor Bobby Loughran has said today, “Michelle is a fantastic candidate for the forthcoming elections. She is a very committed party member and has vowed to work hard for the people throughout South Antrim and right across the North, if elected into Westminster .
“I have total confidence that giving Michelle Byrne your vote is one very well used. Michelle’s candidacy is evidence of the high scale of young people actively involved in the SDLP from branch level through to the Youth Group.”
Michelle has commented, “I am thrilled to have the support of Councillor Bobby Loughran. Bobby is a highly respected man in South Antrim and has worked very hard for everyone in the community throughout his years as a Councillor. It is a pleasure to have Bobby on my side and out on the doorstep with me talking to the local people about all Westminster and local issues.”
“I have total confidence that giving Michelle Byrne your vote is one very well used. Michelle’s candidacy is evidence of the high scale of young people actively involved in the SDLP from branch level through to the Youth Group.”
Michelle has commented, “I am thrilled to have the support of Councillor Bobby Loughran. Bobby is a highly respected man in South Antrim and has worked very hard for everyone in the community throughout his years as a Councillor. It is a pleasure to have Bobby on my side and out on the doorstep with me talking to the local people about all Westminster and local issues.”
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