Cameron on Northern Ireland: National politics & regional potential

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference, David Cameron outlined his perspective on Northern Ireland since the general election and the growing opportunity of better Anglo-Irish links.

First of all, I have a huge commitment and this government has a huge commitment to the future of Northern Ireland.  And I hope that we’ve proved that through our actions in government over the last three years.

When Northern Ireland was threatened with an upsurge in terrorism, when it was clear we needed more resources to go into policing, this government – despite the difficulties of public spending – stepped forward and provided that extra money.

When there was the opportunity of hosting the G8 anywhere in the United Kingdom, I chose Northern Ireland.

Some of the people who prepare these events…

When civil servants say: “It’s a bold decision” – it means you’re wrong but they’ll go ahead with it.  When they say: “It’s a courageous decision” – they really think you’ve got it wrong, and I think this was on the courageous front but it was a massive success for Northern Ireland.

I think we were probably the best shop window you could possibly have of the beauty and brilliance and talent of the province so I was very, very proud to do that.

And when Northern Ireland has asked for additional support and help, this Government has always stepped forward.  So we had the excellent agreement between the deputy First Minister, First Minister, myself and the Secretary of State to try and come forward with more economic regeneration plans for Northern Ireland and also we have the very important Northern Ireland Investment Conference that we’ll be holding later this month which I look forward to going to and speaking at.

So we are absolutely clear about supporting Northern Ireland and the needs of all the people of Northern Ireland.

National politics

The second thing is that we are committed to finding the right way for people in Northern Ireland to play a full part in United Kingdom politics.  I have a very simple, old fashioned, straightforward view, which is: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and people in Northern Ireland should be able to play a part in United Kingdom politics.

Why is it that great servicemen and women from Northern Ireland serve at the highest level in our armed forces?  Businessmen and women from Northern Ireland make a massive contribution to our economic efforts – not least as Boris was telling us about the new bus from Ballymena.

But why is it, when it comes to politics, it’s been so difficult to get that role at the national level?

Now, the attempt we made at the last election to form a new force – I know it sounded a bit like Star Wars – the attempt was honestly made but, let’s be frank, it didn’t work.

I think, amongst friends, I don’t think there was a big enough cultural change on the part of some in the older Ulster Unionist Party to put away the old politics and embrace the new politics but it was an honest attempt, honestly made.

But I think now we should just forge ahead as a Conservative and Unionist Party.  I’m delighted that Irwin [Armstrong] is now playing a full role on the board.  I’m delighted that we’re selecting candidates, that we’re campaigning hard.  I think it’s right for the Conservative Party to do that and you’ll always have my backing in that endeavour – to make sure you can play your role in the national politics of the United Kingdom.

East-west potential

The third and final thing I wanted to say is this, and it’s very good that the Ambassador from the Republic of Ireland [Dan Mulhall] is here tonight.

I think the security that the devolved institutions and the end of conflict and the settlement in Northern Ireland – the security that has given to all of us who care about keeping Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom – has enabled a new flowering of a relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

And I don’t think I will ever forget – in all the extraordinary things that I’ve seen in three years as Prime Minister – that visit of Her Majesty the Queen in the Republic of Ireland.

It was as if some of the barriers between us melted away and we remembered all the relations and things that we feel for each other: the relations, the family ties, the economic ties, the historical ties all came back and I think that’s such a powerful thing for our future.

In conclusion

So I’m delighted you’re all here tonight.  I think we have a really good opportunity to build an economic future for Northern Ireland, to build a stronger political future for Northern Ireland and also to build relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic.

It is in that spirit, I come with you today to say a profound thank you to my ministerial team.  Sometimes people think to be asked to be Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is a tough job and a bit of a difficult task.

I tell you, when I asked Theresa Villiers to do the job, she was absolutely delighted and she has worked at it, I think, incredibly hard and done a brilliant job.  And I know Northern Ireland is in safe hands with her sat at the Cabinet table, defending Northern Ireland’s interests and standing up for everyone who lives there.

Her and Mike Penning do an absolutely fantastic job and it’s great to share this platform with them.  Thank you very much indeed and have a great conference. 

David Cameron was speaking at the Northern Ireland Conservative reception at the Conservative Party conference.