Dickson annoyed that motion on weeds is being brought to Assembly

Alliance Regional Development Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has said he and his party colleagues will not be taking part in a debate on a motion to be proposed by the DUP on weed control at the Assembly tomorrow, saying that an issue of this nature should not be being discussed at Assembly level. The debate is on inadequate weed control by Roads Service Eastern Division.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The Assembly is not the forum to discuss issues of this nature and there are far more important issues that the Assembly should be concentrating on. It would be better to get all 108 MLAs out with spades and trowels to address the issue, and to have an Assembly debate on a matter of greater concern.

“This is a difficult time as regards the economy, we are facing many challenges in relation to our public finances and we should be focusing on the big issues that people want to see addressed.

“Neither I, nor my Alliance colleagues will be taking part in this debate as there are more pressing matters that we could be dealing with to help the public.

“This is an issue that should be addressed; however, it should be being discussed at councils and most definitely not at the Assembly.

“Debating something like this at this level is a frivolous waste of Assembly time and I am annoyed that this motion is being proposed.”

ENDS