Roy Beggs MLA
Roy Beggs was elected as an Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim in 1998. In 2001 he was elected to Carrickfergus Borough Council, representing the Knockagh Monument area. A former production manager, he sits on the Assembly’s Environment Committee and is the Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. He is Chairman of the All Party Group for the Community and Voluntary Sector. Roy is married with three children.
How did you get started in politics?
My dad was elected as a local councillor when I was still at primary school, and so throughout my early years I followed his work and developed an interest in politics.
As a student, I became involved in the East Antrim Young Unionist branch, became an active member of Queen’s Unionist Association and was appointed secretary of the Ulster Young Unionist Council.
Having worked behind the scenes as local branch and then UUP East Antrim constituency secretary for 10 years, I was elected as an MLA in 1998.
In your view, what are the three major issues facing East Antrim in the coming year?
I have no doubt that enabling sustainable job creation in East Antrim will be a key issue over the next 12 months. It is vital that there are better job prospects for my constituents in Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey.
Improving the Northern Ireland and UK economy and getting public finances back on track must be top of any agenda. Given the present – and wholly unsustainable – levels of public expenditure (£1 in every £4 being borrowed) there needs to be greater recognition of, and encouragement for, those working in the private sector. This is the only way we can create wealth and raise the necessary taxes to support our public services.
There is a particular danger that East Antrim could be over-looked by government departments due to its geographical location on a coastal strip. While recognising that public services are being gathered into more efficient, centralised units, I will continue to press for the provision of appropriate services locally.
With the decision to centre acute services in Antrim Area Hospital there is clearly a pressing need for modern, fit-for-purpose health and care centres to replace the outdated facilities in Carrickfergus and Larne. There is also a demand for investment in additional services at the Whiteabbey Hospital site.
In addition, East Antrim provides key transport routes that are vital to businesses across Northern Ireland and indeed to local commuters. With a squeeze expected on capital infrastructure projects, I will be pressing for new trains to be commissioned for the Larne railway line without further delay. I will also be pressing for the A8 dual carriageway to get its fair share of the £400 million infrastructural investment from the Republic of Ireland, and for the A2 widening scheme – which was recognised in BMAP (the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan) – to be given appropriate priority in expenditure plans.
How seriously does the public sector take accountability?
In order to ensure public accountability, there must be openness and transparency about how public money is being spent. Improved accountability is something I have striven for as a local councillor, and as an MLA. For example, as a member of the Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) I recently saw how, in the past, Northern Ireland Water failed to follow its own purchasing procedures. Thankfully, given the increased powers of scrutiny granted to the Northern Ireland Audit Office, the PAC are now able to highlight such mistakes and ensure that lessons are learnt for the future.
As the UUP’s spokesman for children and young people, what is your reaction considering that child benefit and Surestart grants have been cut in the Budget?
Her Majesty’s Government has been forced into freezing child benefit by the dire state of the public finances. The severity of this situation was encapsulated by the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liam Byrne MP, who famously left a note stating: “I’m afraid there is no money left”. Whilst a freeze is regrettable, it is much preferable to the 10 per cent cut in child benefit which has been imposed in the Republic of Ireland.
Given that I helped to establish Horizon Surestart, which assists parents to enable their children to reach their full potential in parts of Carrickfergus and Larne, I am fully committed to its ethos. The 0-4 stage of a child’s life is the critical period, and I am pleased that this year,despite economic conditions, a 2.3 per cent budget up-lift has been provided locally to Surestart. Whilst I understand that the income-related Surestart maternity grant administered by DSD is being restricted to one grant per family, I am pleased that every qualifying family will still be entitled to a significant grant to purchase necessary clothes and equipment.
What motivates you?
My Presbyterian background (a committee member of Raloo Presbyterian Church and a Boys’ Brigade officer) is a key part of who I am. This has given me a value that everyone is equal, a recognition for democratic structures and a desire to assist those who are in need. This is particularly the case if the “ordinary man” has been unfairly treated by a large organisation, whether public or private.
My dad was one of 12 children from humble origins. A supportive family that valued education, together with a strong work ethic, enabled him and his extended family to prosper. I would like to see all children being given the same opportunity to reach their full potential.
How do you relax outside politics?
Outside politics, I enjoy a cycle or a walk in the countryside. I also assist my dad on the family farm and dabble in DIY around the house. Ideally, I like to get away for a week in the summer to the north coast in our touring caravan, where I normally play the odd round of golf (badly), body board, cycle and walk, so let’s hope for an improvement in our weather!
