David Cameron reiterated his support for the NI Conservatives last night, with a speech at the party’s conference in Manchester.
At an NI Conservatives reception, sponsored by the FSB, the Prime Minister said, “First of all I have a huge commitment and this government has a huge commitment to Northern Ireland. I brought the G8 summit to Fermanagh, which wasn’t something that all of our civil servants were keen on. We are absolutely clear about supporting Northern Ireland and the needs of all the people of Northern Ireland”
David Cameron spoke about his commitment to “a very simple, straight-forward, old-fashioned view, which is that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and people in Northern Ireland should be able to play a part in UK politics. The attempt to do that with the Ulster Unionists was honestly made, but let’s be frank, it didn’t work. I think we should just forge ahead as NI Conservatives. I’m delighted that (NI Conservatives chair) Irwin Armstrong is now playing a full role on the party board. I’m delighted that we’re selecting candidates and campaigning hard. I think it is right for the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland and you’ll always have my backing in that endeavour – to make sure you can play a full role in our United Kingdom”.
The Prime Minister praised Ni Conservatives’ co-chairmen, Irwin Armstrong and Trevor Ringland, and said that the Secretary of State is doing, “a great job, representing Northern Ireland’s interests at the cabinet table”.
Irwin Armstrong introduced the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, who praised “NI Conservatives colleagues for leading the debate on the economy in Northern Ireland”.
Irwin said “It’s disgraceful that Richard Haass must come over to sort out our problems, when we’re perfectly capable of doing it ourselves, if the right people are at the table and the vast, peaceful majority of people in Northern Ireland are properly represented”. He also said, “we’re lucky to have a Prime Minister who is the most passionate about representing Northern Irish people for generations”.