10/03/2014 Stormont Today

Hello and welcome to Stormont Today. Coming up on the programme... We're

not going away - the message from victims as a widow recounts the

moment she lost her husband. He went around the corner and there was a

flash of gunfire. 17 bullets were put into him.

There's unanimous support across the chamber for the Carrier Bags Bill.

Passing this legislation will enable us to build on the success and to

make our streets cleaner. And our Political Reporter Stephen

Walker joins me in the studio. Victims took centre stage at

Stormont today when they joined MLAs and members of the public in the

Senate Chamber to mark the European Day for Victims of Terrorism. They

heard the story of RUC reservist John Proctor who was killed in 1981

leaving hospital after visiting his wife and newborn son. In December

2012 Seamus Kearney was found guilty of Mr Proctor's murder. Today June

McMullin, the widow of John Proctor, gave a moving account of life

without her husband. gave a moving account of life

childhood sweethearts. We met when I was 14 years old. We married in 1977

and our first child was born in 1979. After that, he decided to join

the police. The first time the form came, I threw it in the fire. But he

brought another one home so he joined the police. He came to the

hospital to tell us the news that Allen had been shot dead. The day of

his funeral there was a bomb scare so John did not get to the hospital

that night to see me. He came later on that evening and the ward was

quiet. There was not much being said. Close to nine o'clock, he said

it was time he was going home. We said good night and we said our

goodbyes. He went around the corner. Within a flash, I heard the gunfire.

17 bullets were put into his back. My life and my love was gone.

Night-time was the worst because when everyone went home, I was on my

own. I went upstairs and I shut the door and I was alone. There was no

one to help me. At that time no arrests had been made and time

passed. In the Historical Enquiries Team was set up and a group

contacted them on my behalf. On the 28th of November, we were back in

court. We stood in court and the judge spoke on how he came to his

decision. He took 50 minutes. He told the man responsible you are

guilty of the murder of John Proctor and we could not leave it. Amer

prayers had answered. and we could not leave it. Amer

based on law and order. In partial and fair justice has been traded for

something else. We feel let down and cannot trust the system. It is time

our government stop waiting. Victims will not be brushed under the mat.

We are not going away. It is time our government stood up for us. We

are not going away. Thank you. June McMullin, the widow of RUC

Reservist John Proctor, telling her story in the Senate Chamber today.

Our Political Reporter Stephen Walker is with me now. That was a

very powerful testimony from June McMullin and a reminder of why

victims want their issues to be at the heart of the current debate.

That is correct. It was incredibly moving. It was a reminder of all the

families that have been left behind. This was an annual event today, the

European Day for Victims of Terrorism. Today was a reminder of

the pain that is still there and how much work still must be done in the

area of victims. Politically, it is a reminder that there is no

consensus on what must happen to victims in the years ahead.

Victims and the past have been part of what the Ulster Unionist Party

has been saying today. They have released a document detailing their

thoughts on issues like the past, parades and the flags issue. On

flags, they talk about the Union Flag been blown on government

buildings, on parades they back a voluntary rather than a compulsory

code of conduct. They strongly undersize the house proposals when

it comes to things like a new investigations unit which they think

is unaccountable. This is what Mike investigations unit which they think

work. These assisted attenders produce unreliable evidence. They

break the arrangements that they have with the criminal prosecution.

Quite simply, it is a waste of resources and a waste of money and

does not produce the results we want. These people should go to

court and if guilty they should be convicted. If they have assisted in

prosecuting -- prosecuting others it would be proper for the judge to

take this into account. Has there been much reaction to what

the UUP has had to say? There has been some reaction, summer but could

it double stop Gerry Kelly said the proposals were in his words fantasy

politics, driven by electoral concerns rather than any desire to

deal with outstanding issues. There were criticisms from the DUP who

said that the Ulster Unionist Party is all awry with issues over it as a

trading days. -- over designating days. They said their policy is

mixed up. Anyone would think that there is an election coming up!

Meantime, where are we with the outstanding issues of flags, parades

and the past? We are in limbo at the moment. The talks have not gone

anywhere and Mike Nesbitt says his party will not take part in any more

meetings. With an election on the horizon there seems to be little

sign of consensus on these issues. Stephen Walker, thank you for now.

The Carrier Bags Bill passed its final stage in the Assembly today.

The Environment Minister explained that the bill extends the carrier

bags levy to include re-usable bags with a retail cost of up to 20

pence. The department has always anticipated that the levy on single

use banks would generate and increase in the sales of low-cost

reusable bags. Such an increase would be welcome news if these bags

were being actively reused to full potential. But early estimates

suggest that the rate of increase is much higher than we anticipated. I

do not want much higher than we anticipated. I

want to see bags being reused as much as possible. It is with this in

mind that from the 19th of January 20 15th this will extend the levy to

reusable carrier bag is with a retail price of less than 20p. This

is intended to prevent them from being discarded prematurely and

becoming the new throwaway bag. The Department needs to make best use of

the additional time available before the extension of the levy to ensure

that this communication campaign is timely and appropriate. This

campaign must build on existing support from consumers and should be

underpinned via an understanding that bags for life must be used and

reused as long as possible. This is an example of good default

government and has enjoyed broad support. It has changed behaviour.

To my mind, that must be regarded as an outcome of good policy. Ten years

ago, not many of us would forecast that we would have a range of

coloured wins at home as well as recycling materials. I look forward

to the development of this overall proposal. I do not think it. Your.

You will see us back here in another year or two, trying to change some

of the legislation again. This is not a final proposal. I see it much

more coming this way. Tom Elliott said and do not know if it is out

the hope or fear that he suspects this is not the end of that. I hope

we are. I am currently exploring other options around items such as

bottles and election posters! The other options around items such as

of the number of wax we see tangled in our hedges. -- the number of

bags. This will enable us to build on our success to make our streets

cleaner. And that bill was passed on a

cross-community vote. The Ulster Bank and public sector

jobs were concerning MLAs in the chamber today as they questioned the

Finance Minister. First up though, the problem of empty shops in our

town and cities. The issue of empty properties is one that I am well

aware of. There is not a town in Northern Ireland that I would not

visit in my capacity and it is an issue that is raised frequently

outrageous. The revaluation... Part of the problem with empty shops is

that there is a myriad of reasons, people using online shopping, the

growth of large retailers, all of these have had an impact. -- raised

frequently with us. There is little that any change in the rating system

can do. What I can ensure is that until the end of 20 15th empty

property relief which was introduced by my predecessor which gives a 50%

relief, that will continue into the first year of operation. I am

pleased to report that nearly 230 businesses have opened since 2012.

Hundreds of people have been employed.

Book-sellers reform is synonymous with the idea cutting public service

jobs which we are all concerned about. Can I ask the minister, what

guarantee will you give to public service workers in particular public

service reform in the North does not equal job cuts?

I am keen to learn from everywhere, and I'm

I am keen to learn from everywhere, counterparts in the Irish Republic,

I am keen to learn from everywhere, further afield. The reason I don't

want to think of ourselves in isolation is because the problems in

those states, but an extensive list, near grappling with the same

problems we are witches decreasing public expenditure, and public

expectations. While ideas may not be directly applicable, there is a

source of learning and all of them. There is great concern about the

lack of clarity of scale of the Ulster Bank operation which is

causing concern among staff. I met with the Deputy First Minister

a few weeks ago and the Chief Executive of the Ulster Bank group

and the head of the Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, and as you would

expect we have sought us your answers as to what the bank would

look like moving forward in Northern Ireland. I think we need emphasise

how important Ulster Bank is to the economy in Northern Ireland, it is

by far our biggest bank and has huge market share in terms of business

customers in Northern Ireland, but it is very clear from those

conversations and the review published a few weeks ago that

moving forward, Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland and in Ireland as a

whole will be a much smaller bank. I am someone is sure do the Ulster

Bank brand is here to stay. Simon Hamilton sounding a positive

note on the Ulster Bank. The day began with a point of order from Jim

Allister who was exercised over the appearance of a woman at an event in

Parliament Buildings. The visitor, who was taking part in the

Alternative Ms Ulster event, spoke bare-chested, save for a large

feather necklace. Can I ask, what are the arrangements

in terms of the vetting and oversight of events which take place

within the precincts of this building? I refer to the incident of

indecent exhibitionism which took place on

indecent exhibitionism which took of this building. And therefore, I

want to know, when events are organised, who has responsibility

for vetting and overseeing that an acceptable standard is pertained at

all events held within this House? Is it your responsibility, the

Assembly commission's responsibility, or is it the

responsibility of the sponsoring Members of the particular event?

I thank the Member for us by the order. It is not a matter for this

House, it is certainly not the response ability of the Speaker on

whatever event is happening in Parliament buildings, but let me say

to the House and Members, it is the responsibility of Members respond to

events in this House, and they certainly need to be held to

account. With this bigger be able to inform

us, are there papers in this House, allowed in this House, with page

three whether nude pictures of women and object occasion of women? And I

wonder if the previous person who made the point of order, is he

concerned about those pages? I'm tried to make sure this does not

turn into a full-blooded debate about events here in Parliament

buildings. I would say to the Member on that further point of order, it

is not the responsibility of this House or for the Speaker what

newspapers Members are reading in this House.

The Speaker, William Hay, resisting the temptation to get drawn into a

debate on Members' newspaper reading habits.

The Employment and Learning Minister was asked about teacher training and

the recognition of Northern Ireland qualifications by universities in

the Republic during Question Time today. But it was industrial

relations at further education colleges that came under the

spotlight first. Can I ask the Minister for his

reaction to the published that implied that work in 64 magician

colleges is not fit for purpose? I no much welcome

colleges is not fit for purpose? the FC sector. It is important to

stress that colleges and I took forward the commissioning of this

report and has reported to them. This is not something that has been

imposed upon the sector, it is something the sector was proactive

in taking forward, and the Member will recall that such a process was

one of the recommendations arising from the McConnell report into the

industrial relations situation. In terms of the way forward for teacher

education, we are looking to have a rounded solution that meets the

needs of Northern Ireland society as a whole, and it is my firm belief a

situation of teacher training were any individual can be trained to

work in any type of school and indeed any particular sector within

our education system. I believe there is a number of different

formats in which that can be achieved. Whenever the Member makes

reference to the ethos, I would stress that the college itself

should not be seen as an exclusive training college by the sector. And

enrolment figures may show a majority of Protestants, it is more

diverse than people might at first think.

Or discussions have you had with your kind about in the South and

what discussions have taken place about perceived inequality with the

CEO system that prevents students from the North accessing degree

courses in the South? This is an ongoing issue, and indeed

it is an issue of deep concern to both myself and John Dowd, the

Minister for education. The Member will be aware that the Trinity

College and Dublin city University have recently relaxed their entry

requirements to more readily facilitates applications from

Northern Ireland. I'm also aware that University College, Galway, is

also considering making similar moves.

also considering making similar be on a uniform basis to facilitate

the ease of access. Looking about from a more strategic level, it is a

matter of deep concern that we have much more students coming from the

south of the island to the North than we have flowing in the north to

south direction. There are a number of barriers in that regard.

Stephen Farry on the challenge for students from Northern Ireland

securing university places in the Republic. The sale of so-called

legal highs came under the scrutiny of the chamber earlier. A DUP motion

said they were being sold under false pretences by using disclaimers

such as "not fit for human consumption." The Health Minister,

Edwin Poots. Cannabis, heroin and marijuana are

old news, instead, these so-called legal highs are slick impersonations

of illegal drugs but are more lethal and more deadly than any of the

outlawed products whose effects they are designated to mimic.

These legal highs often make use of disclaimers such as, not fit for

human consumption, motor not clearly identifiable in terms of the

content. Bizarre see how they are unsuitable and how they may

negatively affect someone's health. -- they do not say how they are

answered. Mike.

The youngest dealer at that time that the victim in my constituency

had bought from was ten years old. The emphasis was placed on the

supplier by the legislation which was enacted to ensure that the

person who sets up what are called head shops has to prove the

substances and the products they are selling do not have unintended

consequences, indeed are downright dangerous.

And leave have been some good first step in addressing the issue. So far

temperate bands step in addressing the issue. So far

issue. However, I personally believe we have to do more. That is why I

recently raised this issue with the Home Secretary, seeking a more

robust and consistent approach. The Health Minister, Edwin Poots.

There was unanimous support for a motion calling for more women to get

involved in politics. The debate, which came two days after

International Women's Day, was proposed by Sinn Fein's Megan

Fearon. City to present overpopulation are

female, however women hold only 18 present of elected positions on this

island. Of 108 MLAs only 19% are female. This Assembly chamber is in

the way represent it as of the society we live in. Is it any wonder

women get turned off by politics? I could spend this whole debate

detailing the ins and outs of every sexist comment and joke that has

been made to me, never mind the other woman. It is just as well

people don't get to hear what happens in other parts this

building. I congratulate the southern

government for its brave move in bringing forward quarters in terms

of the level and number of female candidates which parties have to and

will have to adhere to, because it is unfortunate that almost 100 years

on from woman winning the right to vote there are still too few women

were presented in public and political life. It would seem that

we may well have to introduce mandatory quarters in order to have

any realistic expectation of improving the number of female

representatives coming through. I am the result of a so-called

women's development programme that backfired on me. Back in 2008 I was

elected as a party officer with response ability for women's

development and so I had a free hand to create my own women's develop and

programme for the Ulster Unionist Party we had meetings and training

sessions and I worked to encourage Party we had meetings and training

processes for selection to Party we had meetings and training

needed to go forward. Onto selection and on to election. I didn't expect

to be in this role myself. I wouldn't be the first to mention

that this is often a match all and petty and adversarial environment.

-- macho environment. This often turns women of politics. BC this a

hothouse for trivial party politics and bickering. The general

dissatisfaction with politics is a factor. It is not just women who are

not getting involved, it is also people with moderate views, young

people, ethnic minorities, Members of the LGBT community.

I now -- I know that my own story of how got involved, it was not where I

wanted to be, I was happy with my life before politics. It may not be

the best job, but it is not that bad.

Paula Bradley with her slightly sceptical view of the political

world. And if young women aren't inspired to enter the world of

politics, maybe they could be Northern Ireland's next gold

medallist. Kelly Gallagher from Bangor, with her guide Charlotte

Evans, won Britain's first ever Paralympics gold at a Winter Games

this morning. And our MLAs were quick to offer their

congratulations. There is a strong message here for

us all. This is a great day. Especially for those people living

with a disability. I think the message quite simply is, whatever

the adversity, keep working through and you will achieve your goals.

Sometimes critics of this House will accuse us of going downhill. At

least today we can celebrate the achievement of somebody going

downhill. In the week of international women's day, Northern

Ireland has a very positive role model, people who are disabled have

Ireland has a very positive role of us in Northern Ireland have a

act as inspiration. I hope I united voice

act as inspiration. I hope I united of, well done, Kelly, you have done

us all proud. Kelly Gallagher wrappers and two of

the groups least represented in sport, namely disabled and women. --

Kelly Gallagher represents two of the groups least represented. It is

wonderful that she won the first gold medal for Great Britain, and

she represents very much all of us. Congratulations and congratulations

all my party to Kelly Gallagher and Charlotte Evans.

Sinn Fein's Cathal O hOisin. Stephen Walker is with me again. Just before

we go - a lot of our politicians are heading stateside this week for the

St Patrick's Day celebrations. Yes, the annual trip once again his

year and lots of politicians jumping on planes and trains. The UUP leader

will be there, Gerry Adams is going, Stephen Farry from the Alliance

party is going, the first and deadly first Ministers will be going. They

are all converging on Washington for the end of the week. How significant

will it be if Barack Obama doesn't meet Peter Robinson and Martin

McGuinness during their trip to Washington? At the moment he is not

slated to meet them. It has been flagged up that he

possibly may not meet them, and Peter Robinson has been quite

relaxed about that and basically said, look, the president of the

United States is a very busy man, there is a lot going on. He has

Ukraine on his agenda. So it is possible they may not meet. First

Minister will be at an event hosted by Joe Biden, the vice president,

and it is hoped that Barack Obama may pop in at that event. But if it

does not happen, the politicians out there understand the reasons why.

It has always been a bit up in the air in the past before the visit

happened, hasn't it? Yes, and timetables change, however

it has been traditional to expect Barack Obama to meet the first and

deadly first Ministers. There will be a routine eating

deadly first Ministers. between this T-shirt and this I

deadly first Ministers. Minister and Downing Street. It's

possible that Ukraine will be discussed, and it seems fairly

likely that the Taoiseach will talk about the massacre and again call

for an enquiry into those shootings.

That's it for tonight. Join me again tomorrow night at the same time -

11.20pm here on BBC Two. Until then, from everyone in the team, bye bye.

We stood there, packed like sardines...

The fellow next to you, he was your best friend.

Perhaps didn't know him the day before.

Others just stood staring at the cloudless sky.

We were told that we were to be prepared to receive orders

They were the longest and the shortest hours in life.

And then zero hour, and all hell let loose.