Downpatrick to host meeting on political change

Downpatrick to host meeting on political change

3 July 2019

DOWNPATRICK’S Down Arts Centre is the venue this evening for the first in a series of public meetings as part of a new movement which aims to deliver change at the heart of the province’s government.

Several weeks after declaring a “state of emergency” in Northern Ireland and appealing to people take part in a day of “silent solidarity”, local man Francis Morgan is encouraging residents across the district to make their way to the Arts Centre this evening at 7.30pm.

Mr Morgan said that in the absence of a Stormont administration, “someone needs to do something” to bring about political change and to tackle the issue of climate change.

A co-founder of the United Communities Action Network (UCAN), the Downpatrick man said tonight’s meeting will be the first of many being held right across Northern Ireland with the key aim to establish what he described as a “civilian Assembly”.

Mr Morgan said the call for the recent day of solidarity was “borne out of frustration” at the current political stagnation, explaining that he and others have no confidence in politicians — particularly those in Sinn Fein and the DUP — to bring about the change people are demanding.

He said he recently declared a state of emergency because no one else was prepared to do it and hopes tonight’s public meeting will be well supported.

“I want men and women frustrated by our government which hasn’t met in over two years and who are interested in independent politics to join us this evening,” said Mr Morgan.

“While people were unsure about how to participate in the day of solidarity, there was an overwhelming positive response, particularly via social media. That is why we have arranged tonight’s meeting and I hope it will be well supported by the people of Downpatrick, across the district and further afield.”

Mr Morgan claimed many people he has spoken to want change and have an appetite for a new Assembly comprising independent members, not established political party representatives.

He continued: “Tonight’s meeting is the next stage in the campaign and we are approaching this on a county by county basis. We are inviting all politicians and those interested in politics to join us in the Arts Centre which many will know as the old town hall.

“We are keen to see independent politicians joining us as we aim to set up a civilian Assembly. We remain in a state of emergency in this country. The new political system we have in mind will be outlined tonight.”

Labelling the day of silent solidarity as a “huge success”, Mr Morgan hopes to build on the increasing momentum for what he and others are attempting to achieve.

He added: “Rather than talk about doing something, we believe that action is stronger than words and that there is a consensus for political change and politicians who want to work together for everyone’s benefit.”