NICVA launches manifesto challenge to parties

The manifesto sets out a comprehensive challenge to all of the political parties ahead of the election on 5 May and covers the most pressing social, economic and environmental issues that we as a society will face over the next four years.

NICVA's policy manifesto 2011 is now available for review and comment

Bob Stronge, Chairman of NICVA, believes the vision for a better and fairer Northern Ireland is challenging but achievable:

“Not only does the Manifesto 2011 offer 95 positive recommendations whereby politicians and political parties can tackle the key issues that threaten our stability and prosperity, it provides a direct platform for the 4,700 voluntary and community sector organisations and the 30,000 people they employ to put their points directly to their political representatives”.

Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey went on to say that NICVA members had a raft of important issues to raise with election candidates:

“This is a watershed election where the electorate is becoming more critical of the performance of those governing us. The overarching question we are posing on their behalf is: ‘How will the political parties improve the lives of the people of Northern Ireland and how will they pay for it?"

“In order to realise our vision of a stable, cohesive government and an economy that works for all we believe our politicians and political parties should be prepared to ensure that the NI Executive demonstrates the maturity in its second term to make all major public policy and spending decisions together in a collegiate way and be jointly responsible for them”.

Copies of the manifesto will be distributed to all NICVA members prior to the election.