Timothy Gaston
North Antrim · Traditional Unionist Voice · Northern Ireland
“I begin my remarks by putting on record, once again, my thanks to the victims and survivors who have campaigned for many years to bring us to this point today, where the Bill will pass its Final Stage.”
“There is an onus on the Assembly in the next mandate to ensure that the work continues, with a second phase of redress that will consider individualised acknowledgement of the harm and trauma that the birth mothers and adult adoptees experienced.”
“I trust that those who have worked diligently in the background on the terms of reference will reflect the requests of the Committee and those who have given evidence to ensure that they are victim-centred and that truth and justice will be pursued.”
“Throughout the process, the Committee has taken steps to ensure that victims and survivors of religious institutions, state homes and private homes see themselves reflected in the Bill.”
“At a recent meeting of the Committee for the Executive Office, the Migrants' Rights Network complained that, in the second half of 2025, the UK Government increased raids focused on illegal working. When raids increased by 76%, arrests increased by 169%.”
“The revelations that have come to light since dirty Donaldson's conviction and the red flags that his colleagues ignored raise profound and troubling questions for the DUP, but for Sinn Féin generally and Deirdre Hargey in particular to come to the Chamber and pontificate about safeguarding is utter hypocrisy.”
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Every one of 2,236 lines we hold for Timothy Gaston, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 41 of 45.
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker, in response to a question from me, the deputy First Minister claimed that the prison buildings at the Maze were listed at the request of the then Secretary of State. Will you require the deputy First Minister to correct the record to reflect the fact that the request for listing the buildings came from convicted IRA murderer Paul Butler? Will you also ensure that the deputy First Minister makes clear that the powers to delist the buildings lie with her party colleague Minister Lyons?”
“Will you give a commitment today that you agree with your party colleague and the statement that he made?”
“Deputy First Minister, your party colleague, Lord Dodds, is on record as stating:”
“Minister, Westminster has been clear that no additional money is coming from them for Casement Park. Will you confirm that, in your statement today, there is likewise no additional money coming from Stormont and that, indeed, if the GAA wants Casement, it is up to it to fund it?”
“— that it appears we have learned nothing from the RHI debacle.”
“— in the Assembly, I agree with other Members —”
“The fact that a Minister is required to keep a record does not absolve Committees from having their own record, particularly when, as the report highlights, departmental record-keeping remains appalling. From my short time —”
“It is a Committee that thinks that it is appropriate to submit questions to a witness in advance rather than using the powers at its disposal to compel a witness to appear. It is a Committee that is more interested in protecting the process than in delving into the detail. <BR /> <BR />I remind the House that the only legislation to arise from the RHI inquiry came from my predecessor, Jim Allister. In recent days, I have heard some Members claim that, because his Act introduced a requirement for Ministers to have a record of meetings, Committee Chairpersons are not expected to keep such a record. I want to nail that falsehood ahead of tomorrow's Committee meeting: it deliberately misleads.”
“The group's report said that it wanted to strengthen the Assembly's scrutiny role — really? — and ability to "delve into the detail" — really? — through "appropriate questions" — really? Have we seen that in the Executive Office Committee? Heaven forbid some questions might be classed as difficult by the Chairperson. My experience since coming to the House is of the Statutory Committee for the Executive Office, which does not believe in scrutiny; rather, it protects witnesses from questions. It is a Committee that has a system whereby the Chair meets a witness who is due to appear before the Committee without consulting, much less gaining the approval of, the Committee.”
“Paragraphs 1.9 to 1.11 of the report highlight the fact that that group was set up as the result of an RHI report recommendation that the Assembly consider:”
“I also highlight the section of the Audit Office report that says:”
“The Audit Office report is particularly concerning when it comes to record-keeping in this place. Paragraph 19 of its executive summary states:”
“The Baroness has moved on, but many of the problems identified in the RHI report, as the motion rightly outlines, remain. The Audit Office report makes damning reading in that regard. For the sake of time, I will only read into the record recommendation 5:”
“Every time Stormont collapses and comes back, the public are assured and promised that it is the dawning of a new day for the institutions and that things will be different this time around. Following the publication of the RHI inquiry report, the then First Minister, Arlene — now Baroness — Foster, in a debate in the Chamber, pledged:”
“Providing £59,000 a year to fund a post that deals with divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland makes a mockery of the claims that the Irish Sea border has gone. Does the remit of the employee include monitoring the cost to businesses of severing our links with the rest of the United Kingdom?”
“He even turned down a knighthood twice. However, we can do something that he would have approved of by founding a Harry Ferguson museum of innovation. I am glad that, in a response to a question from me, the Communities Minister has advised that he has asked the Northern Ireland Museums Council to explore the issue. I trust that it will be seriously examined and progressed to showcase the legacy that Harry Ferguson rightly deserves in Northern Ireland.”
“That can only be done in a dedicated museum. Such a museum, as well as looking to the past through static exhibits — including the Ferguson Belfast black prototype tractor — interactive displays, web presentations, databases and simulators, can look to the future as an educational tool and centre of innovation, education, research, design and development. Take, for instance, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Michigan, which was founded over 90 years ago and attracts in excess of 1·7 million visitors each year. Think what visitor numbers like that could do for the economy of Northern Ireland. It is a good fortune on our doorstep that, to date, we have wasted rather than taken advantage of. <BR /> <BR />Harry Ferguson believed that wealthy industrialists and businessmen such as him should not accept political honours.”
“Northern Ireland and its people have a record of innovation that is envied around the world. One innovator stands out above the rest: Harry Ferguson, who was born 140 years ago yesterday. His vision of the modern tractor almost a century ago is now a practical reality that fights hunger and world poverty and has saved countless millions of lives around the world. Today, Harry Ferguson is known as the father of the modern tractor because of his many achievements in the design of the tractor and dedicated implements. Many of those allowed a tractor to be used in tasks that a tractor had never been used in before. <BR /> <BR />We, in Northern Ireland, have a right to be proud of the seismic legacy left by Harry Ferguson. With that pride comes great responsibility to tell fully his life story of achievements and success.”
“There will come a day of accountability for Kingsmills. It is shameful that this House, which claims to administer justice, is prepared to turn a blind eye to the continuing role of the organisation responsible in overseeing the lead party of this Government.”
“When I reflected on that, I recalled how scripture records that not only does Alan Black hear that cry but that it is heard in the presence of the Almighty. Revelation 6 records the cry of the martyrs and reads:”
“The sole survivor of the atrocity deserves nothing less, even if he will not get any truth or justice from this House. Alan Black is on record as saying of his workmates so callously murdered that day:”
“I have no problem in saying that the brutal murders by loyalists were wrong. The lead party in this House, which continues to be overseen by the IRA army council cannot say the same about IRA murders. It will only condemn Kingsmills today because of the fiction that it was not an IRA massacre. To call for the Police Ombudsman to release its findings while maintaining such a position is utter hypocrisy. Let us not forget either that the party to my left was happy to have Barry McElduff not only as a councillor but as chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in 2022-23 after his sickening mockery of the massacre on its anniversary in 2018. <BR /> <BR />It is long past time that the Police Ombudsman released its report.”
“It is worth noting that not only does the IRA continue to maintain the fiction that it was not involved in the murders but, at the time, it issued a statement that claimed:”
“My one small issue with the motion is the fact that it does not clearly attribute the murders of 5 January 1976 to the IRA. Even by the blood-soaked standards of the brutal IRA campaign, the Kingsmills massacre stands out as a particularly evil act. There are some in the House who maintain that there was no alternative to such slaughter; no alternative to ordering men off their work van on the side of a dark rainswept road as they tried to return home to their families; no alternative to picking out the Protestants in that group and telling the lone Roman Catholic worker to get away from the scene; no alternative to firing over 130 round in less than a minute into the backs of 10 men; and no alternative to saying "Finish them off" before a murderer fired another burst into the heap of bodies that lay on the ground.”
“The Member makes an important point. Indeed, for that motion to pass, Sinn Féin needs the help of Alliance — or, rather, Alliance needs the help of Sinn Féin. They work hand in glove nowadays, so I get them mixed up. <BR /> <BR />It is important that Sunday trading is left the way it is. We have to respect workers' rights. I worked in the retail industry for many years before I came here. It is important that, when workers get to the weekend, they have a day of rest and do not face burnout, so I welcome the intervention. I encourage Sinn Féin to do a little soul-searching, if that is possible, and, when it comes to the Alliance motion before Belfast City Council, to stand up for workers' rights and say, "No, thank you".”
“An increasing push for unlimited trading on Sunday is a backward step. I trust that today's debate will cause all the parties in the House to reflect on their actions not just here but in councils up and down Northern Ireland.”
“I will never make a secret of my religious convictions, but even those who, unlike me, do not have concerns about Sunday being a day of rest can see the value of hard-working people having Sunday off. Those employed in the retail sector are often the most poorly paid and have little enough time with their families as they struggle to make ends meet. As the Northern Ireland Committee, Irish Congress of Trade Unions pointed out in a resolution passed in 2017,”
“In her response, I would like the junior Minister to set out what plans the Executive Office has, whilst working with the Economy and Infrastructure Ministers, to develop new policies that discourage edge-of-town developments and encourage the breathing of life back into our high streets. <BR /> <BR />I thank the SDLP for tabling its amendment. It focuses on the issue of rates, which is a key point. I commend Gerry for his amendment, particularly the part on the importance of the two-day weekend. Recently, Belfast City Council made a blunder when it backed an Alliance proposal to develop plans to pilot an extended Sunday trading scheme. The blowback has been immediate and predictable.”
“On the subject of Ballymena, this Thursday is discount day in the town, and there are now 65 businesses involved that will attract thousands to the town to avail of unrivalled bargains for all their Christmas needs. Multiple household names are involved, such as Moore Electrics, Camerons department store, Fred Funk, McKillens, Wallaces of Ballymena, Sams of Ballymena, Grassmen and many more. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, large internet retailers have a competitive edge over the businesses that I have just listed. They do not face the massive rates bills that we impose on businesses in town centres, nor do they face the challenge of competing with out-of-town retailers that suck the business out of our town centres through convenience and free parking.”
“However, Winnie would be the first to recognise the key role of local community spirit and the importance of working together and promoting one another's businesses. That team spirit is a key element to the success of businesses in Ballymoney, and I am delighted that it has been recognised on that scale. <BR /> <BR />If we want to preserve our high streets, it is not good enough to simply tell them to get online. Large retailers will always get the lion's share of such business through brand recognition. Unfortunately, that makes it challenging for many of the independent retailers on our high streets, which are, in essence, the DNA of many of our town centres. Take Ballymena, which is known for its unique shopping experience, with over 70% of its businesses being independent.”
“While recognising the significant challenges faced by businesses on our high streets, I begin by noting that I have the privilege of representing the constituency that has the current High Street of the Year. I commend the businesses of Ballymoney for winning that prestigious title and note that Winnie Mellot is worthy of particular praise after her shop, The Winsome Lady, won the prestigious Overall Independent Retailer Award for 2024. Ballymoney is a great place to shop, and it is fantastic to see it recognised in that fashion. It is noteworthy that Winnie Mellot had to adapt and overcome the challenges that many of our high street shops face. The Winsome Lady is a model of how to use the power of technology to bring products to a new audience through internet sales.”
“Minister, a Choice Housing development which was built at George Street in Ballymena was completed in summer 2023. It was designed to be one-bedroom general needs properties. Does your Department have any oversight of the change from general needs to emergency accommodation that has been allowed to happen in that block of flats? I ask that because, 18 months on, those flats are still vacant, but our homelessness rates are going through the roof. Have you any oversight to ensure that those flats will be open to people so that they can get off the streets and into housing that can support their needs?”
“Minister, is it not a farce that many in the House and outside it continue to point the finger at our main industry when the truth is — you just outlined it — that a significant part of the problem comes from Stormont Departments? Does Stormont not need to get its house in order before lambasting and blaming the agriculture sector?”
“I trust that, by pushing that, Northern Ireland would receive the same.”
“Like other Members, I welcome the unpausing of the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West growth deals. <BR /> <BR />Minister, given the existing Welsh model, can you outline what discussions you have had with the Chancellor to ensure that Northern Ireland is funded to the level of need, as defined by Professor Gerry Holtham? If those discussions have not taken place, can you outline why not? They have been very beneficial to the Welsh Government, who have secured extra millions of pounds per year.”
“— how can we have confidence that it will continue —”
“Thank you very much. On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. At the start of business today, the Speaker advised the House that he had written to Members to advise them of the so-called democratic consent vote on the continuing application of the protocol in Northern Ireland. Will the Speaker's Office confirm that there is no requirement for cross-community consent for that vote and that, for the first time in more than half a century, a decision will be taken that disregards the views of one section of the Chamber, namely unionists? <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, if cross-community consent is dispensed with for the most controversial vote in Northern Ireland's 104-year history —”
“Can the Minister tell us when the Burgess report will be shared officially with all stakeholders, particularly the Bar Council and the Law Society? Furthermore, when will the report be published for members of the public to read?”
“Currently, 36% of farmers in Northern Ireland are aged 65 and over. Farmers in North Antrim and elsewhere have devoted their lives to building up their farms with the driving motivation to see the land handed on to the next generation. Now, this kick in the teeth from an uncaring Government has, rightly, left many feeling angry and betrayed. When will the nation and its politicians start to respect those who put food on our tables? The TUV is very clear on the matter. My party leader will oppose the Budget when it comes before the Mother of Parliaments, not least because of that outrageous proposition.”
“With limited cash reserves, most family farms, when that point comes, will have no alternative but to sell off land and consequently diminish the viability and productivity of the farm. Food production and security will suffer knock-on effects. The threshold of £1 million is of little help at current land prices. Farms with as little as 50 or 60 acres will frequently be caught for inheritance tax.”
“The Labour Government have proved that they have no empathy with farmers. If they did, they would not have dealt such a brutal blow to the future of family farming through their inheritance tax extension policy. <BR /> <BR />Farmers are, indeed, asset-rich because of their land but cash-poor, with it being a struggle to meet the constant monthly bills from fluctuating income. The fact that they own 50 or 100 acres cannot be drawn upon for day-to-day needs, yet retaining that 50 or 100 acres for farming into the future is key to the generational survival of a farm that is passed from one generation to another. There is reason and logic for the historic agricultural exemption from inheritance tax. Now, however, the Government are set to raid farming assets by whacking on inheritance tax upon the death of the current farmer.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are falling behind the rest of the UK in how we deal with those issues. Even when it comes to what is already in place, the system simply is not working. There are up to 10 animal welfare officers working across Northern Ireland. That figure is woefully inadequate given the job that they are required to perform. I am reliably advised by those who engage with the sector that that number is regularly much lower due to staff sickness. When I sought to explore the extent, the Minister washed his hands of the matter and said that it was for councils to deal with. There is an urgent need for a guiding hand to oversee the issue. If it is not for the Minister and DAERA, who is it going to fall to?”
“In England, the Animal Welfare Regulations 2019, better known as Lucy's law, are designed to prevent third-party sales. There are loopholes that we can learn from. In particular, we must stop the importing of puppies and kittens from outside the UK to then be sold on by dishonest sellers to innocent members of the public. However, at least a start has been made. <BR /> <BR />As well as seeking tougher sentences, there is a lot of merit in the suggestions that we introduce regulations on breeding establishments and subject rehoming organisations, sanctuaries and pound and kennelling facilities to licensing and inspection. I note that, while the Westminster Government introduced compulsory microchipping of pet cats in England earlier this year, there is no such plan for that in Northern Ireland that I am aware of.”
“Some weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending an event held in Parliament Buildings by the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group. I undertook to explore some of the issues that the group raised with me. I make no apology for drawing heavily from its policy priorities document, which, in a logical and devastating way, highlights how devolution has failed the animals that we are talking about. The first page of the document opens with this telling sentence:”
“I ask that in the context that, just last week, a Minister was on holiday and was therefore unable to fulfil her duties in the House, even though the Assembly is in recess next week. I want the record of this debate to be clear that there is no provision in this amendment for any MLA, be they party leaders, Ministers or lowly Back-Benchers like me, to vote by proxy while sitting poolside.”
“I welcome the amendments to Standing Orders. To me, they seem to be a necessary acknowledgement that MLAs are people too and require time off for bereavement and other sensitive reasons. <BR /> <BR />There is one issue on which I would like clarity from the Committee Chairperson. I received correspondence last month from the Committee on Procedures in which it indicated that it will look at proxy voting for long-term illness, bereavement and absence on official business, which you, Chair, acknowledged in your opening remarks. Chairperson, can you confirm that MLAs should not and, indeed, would not be able to take advantage of those provisions if they go on holiday while the Assembly is in session?”
“The closure of the maternity unit at Causeway Hospital in July 2023 has put additional pressures on the services at Antrim and has meant additional journey times for expectant mothers. Minister, do you stand over the decision to relocate the maternity service at Causeway to Antrim, and can you confirm what you are doing to ensure that the maternity units are adequately staffed?”
“My wife and I have been blessed with the safe arrival of three healthy boys over the past four years through Antrim Area Hospital's maternity unit. On each visit, the dedicated midwives have been run off their feet due to its being seriously understaffed.”
“It now plays second fiddle to Sinn Féin in the Executive in spite of the continued role of the IRA army council at the head of the republican movement. Whether it is child protection or terrorism, the fundamental remains the same, and the question that faces the House is this: is there anything that republicans could do that would mean that those partnering them in government would walk away from this immoral sham? Once again, it appears to me and many outside this place that some value the institutions as more important than delivering truth and accountability on how Sinn Féin operates and the past and present scandals that it has been embroiled in.”
“It retains an army council that oversees Sinn Féin, it retains weapons, and it continues to gather intelligence. There was a politically motivated attempt over the weekend to ease the pressure on Sinn Féin and those who shamefully sustain it in government, but I say this to the DUP, the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party: do not act surprised that a party overseen by an illegal terrorist organisation that is responsible for 1,800 empty chairs across the Province and countless broken bodies and shattered minds is not squeaky clean when it comes to issues related to child protection. <BR /> <BR />The 2007 DUP manifesto pledged that there would be a complete end to paramilitary and criminal activity and the removal of terrorist structures prior to Sinn Féin's entry to the Northern Ireland Executive.”