Harold McKee
South Down · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Will the Minister agree that the tourism potential of Northern Ireland's centenary in 2021 will be easier to realise if we have a proper cross-community Government that will work for the common good of all the people of Northern Ireland? Does he realise that that is not possible under a DUP/Sinn Féin Executive Office?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer thus far. We have hardly had a chance to get holes in the roads since the last election. The reason I ask the question is that I wrote to you in your first week in office about two roads — Carrigenagh Road and Mill Road in Kilkeel — that were in a very bad state of repair. Are they on target?”
“The review also states that Education and Training Inspectorate assessments over the last five years have ranged from satisfactory to outstanding, and that outdoor education brings added value to both the formal and non-formal education spheres.”
“The review document states that there is "a cluster" of OECs at the southern coast. Where else would you locate them when you have a natural environment with the Mourne mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the loughs of Carlingford and Strangford?”
“As one who resides in a rural community in South Down, I very often take for granted the beauty of the countryside, the Mourne mountains and the coastal waters of Carlingford and Strangford loughs.”
“<BR /> <BR />When I read the findings of this review, I cannot see any justification for the rationalisation of larger statutory centres. In fact, I can only see reasons to preserve, support and promote the services, as I am sure many young people in Northern Ireland do not have the opportunity to visit one of these centres with school or…”
The complete record
Every one of 59 lines we hold for Harold McKee, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“I hope that the new Minister revisits the issue to ensure that value for money exists and that other possible locations, such as the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) offices in Coleraine, are at least considered. In addition, I would be grateful if the Finance Minister could advise on which of the old DOE and DARD headquarters is now the lead DAERA headquarters and whether DAERA's proposed headquarters in Ballykelly will include workstations previously located in DOE headquarters. <BR /> <BR />Another issue is the growing concern over new IT systems for the Northern Ireland animal and public health information system (APHIS). Although the allocation for this year was £2·7 million, the reality is that the estimated cost will climb sharply in the years after. I will be keeping a close eye on that over the coming years.”
“Costs for the project are growing significantly, with the recent estimates now in excess of £41 million, with over £10 million in this year's Budget alone. In addition, value for money for the project has never been demonstrated, and officials from several Departments have expressed deep concern. Even the former Finance Minister Sammy Wilson refused to sign off on the project, not least, I suspect, because only an outline business case was ever produced. In fact, the only option considered was to relocate to Ballykelly. <BR /> <BR />In reality, it was a process with a predetermined, Sinn Féin-favoured outcome. That is deeply concerning. If the costs of the project cannot be contained, it will be farmers and rural communities who will be left paying the price for years to come.”
“It is accepted that the condition of Northern Ireland roads is of vital importance to the economic and social well-being of the country. We are an export-focused economy. Most of our manufacturing business depends on excellent connectivity with our ports and airports in order to allow businesses to transport their products quickly and efficiently to their customers. Therefore, regardless of the result of the EU referendum vote on 23 June, there needs to be a clear plan for those core industries. <BR /> <BR />It is disappointing that the previous two Agriculture Ministers used their important role to pursue their own flawed political agenda. A perfect example is the proposed relocation of the old DARD headquarters to Ballykelly, despite some concerns.”
“It is crucial at a time when incomes have plunged by more than 40%, from £312 million to £183 million. As a member of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I will do my utmost to promote that cause. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that directly impacts on my constituency is the proposed Narrow Water bridge project. Although it may benefit cross-border tourism, it will do nothing to reduce the volume of heavy goods vehicles that enter Newry city every day. The early introduction of the southern relief road would provide more tangible benefit for south Down by removing from Newry 600 daily lorry movements, which are creating traffic issues and polluting the air. <BR /> <BR />Roads have been mentioned.”
“As a Mourne man born and bred, I have a strong interest in the area's core industries: fishing, farming and construction. As many of you will know, south Down is a largely rural and typical farming area, with the largest fishing port in Northern Ireland. However, physical and infrastructural constraints are limiting the development of the fishing industry. There is a strong case to be made for the development of a new outer harbour, which would see potential financial gains in the region of £25 million-plus per annum. That is something that I intend to work on actively to progress. <BR /> <BR />As this is the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink, I feel strongly that we, as political representatives, should prioritise support for our local farming industry to ensure its survival.”
“I respect the right of everyone to hold their views, as I hope they respect my right to hold mine. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Unionist Party always intended to play a proactive role in this Assembly, but our decision to move to formal Opposition owing to the vagueness of the Programme for Government provides an assurance to the Northern Ireland public of scrutiny and challenge to the Executive that was previously lacking. Of course, we can all be assured that, where they are robust, the processes and plans will be able to withstand that scrutiny. The public should therefore have renewed confidence in the structures of government in Northern Ireland as we move into this new era. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted to have been appointed Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”
“I intend to ensure that it will be of huge benefit to have a functioning Ulster Unionist Party office opening very soon in South Down, and I am wholly committed to serving all the people of South Down and promoting the interests of South Down in this seat of government. <BR /> <BR />I was first elected to Newry and Mourne District Council in 2011, and again to Newry, Mourne and Down super-council in 2014. Last year, I topped the unionist poll for Westminster, and I felt deeply honoured to have received endorsement from so many in South Down. I come from a working-class background and have first-hand experience of many of the issues that concern local people. As a Christian, I have always used the Bible as my compass and endeavour to demonstrate clear standards of integrity, honesty and respect.”
“It is an immense honour to have been elected to the Assembly as the Ulster Unionist Party Member for South Down. I am humbled that the electorate has endorsed me as its MLA. <BR /> <BR />Ulster Unionism has now returned to South Down after a hiatus. Although the previous Assembly election indeed saw an Ulster Unionist Party member elected — John McCallister, who supported me, and I him, in the campaigns of 2011 — his subsequent decision to leave the party meant that South Down had no Ulster Unionist Party representation from February 2013. The personal impact of that was that I fought three successful campaigns without any MLA support and, indeed, South Down has been without an Ulster Unionist Party MLA.”
“There seems to be confusion across the country about the law concerning the allocation of committee places and positions of responsibility in the case of councillors who change their party designation midterm. Will the Minister consider amending the legislation to ensure consistency across the board?”