Ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly election this week Amanda Ferguson spoke to voters from across the political spectrum - DUP, UUP, Sinn Féin, SDLP, Alliance Party, Green Party, and People Before Profit.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
Queen’s University student Ryan McMullan (20) votes in South Antrim.
Why are you a DUP supporter?
I joined the DUP primarily because they are the best match for my political and moral views. I joined just after the 2017 Assembly election because I felt that the union was something that was important to me, and that the DUP were the best positioned party to protect it.
What issues are important to you in this election?
In no particular order: health; education; cost of living crisis; the Northern Ireland protocol; and post-Covid economic recovery.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Féin firmly in the lead. Do you think they will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
The only poll that matters is the one on May 5, the outcome of which will be close. I believe based on what I am hearing from people the DUP will remain the largest party as they are the best placed to lead Northern Ireland forward and out of covid. What will then happen is that all the politicians in Westminster, Europe, the Irish Republic and Stormont, who have professed a heartfelt desire to preserve the Good Friday Agreement, will have to accept that the people of Northern Ireland are not happy with the protocol. As the protocol violates the main principle of consent, that is central to the Good Friday Agreement, there can be no prospect of the institutions resuming until the protocol is dealt with.
Should unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
I am a democrat who believes in accepting the results of all elections and referendums. The protocol breaks the Good Friday Agreement, which was ratified by a referendum in 1998. Therefore, should this issue be resolved, I see no reason why the largest unionist party should not be part of the next government to combat the many issues Northern Ireland currently faces.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
The DUP is not focusing on a hypothetical border poll. The DUP is fully engaged in tackling the many social and economic issues Northern Ireland faces today. Therefore, predicting the outcome of something that may or may not happen, is a futile exercise.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
Any changes to the protocol, or alternative arrangements, have to maintain Northern Ireland’s position within the United Kingdom, and meet the seven tests the DUP has set. Any other outcome would be unacceptable to unionists.
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
Hospitality worker Adam Millar (33) votes in Belfast North
Why are you a UUP supporter?
Hope. Honesty, openness, peace and equality. Northern Ireland deserves better than toxicity politics. The UUP is promoting a union of all people.
What issues are important to you in this election?
The economic and cost of living crisis. Hearing about citizens being forced to choose between heating and eating. We cannot have a society where the necessities of life are treated like a luxury.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Féin firmly in the lead. Do you think they will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
Yes. During this run up to May 5 they have spoken of plans to tackle the cost of living increase, hospital waiting lists, NHS patient backlogs, along with a litany of other serious and lingering issues, for everyone in Northern Ireland who deserves better. I hope Sinn Féin take the responsibility as serious as the country does.
Should Unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
Unequivocally yes. Unionism should work with all partners in the power-sharing Executive. The First Ministry of Northern Ireland is not a prize or a throne. It goes beyond the ‘them, and us’ mentality we are so familiar with. Northern Ireland has become a country of second chances in a way, therefore it is only fitting if it’s the electorate’s choice.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
I believe a border poll will be called at some stage in this decade. Current data points to a resounding no on the hopes of Irish unity. If a border poll fails to give republicans Irish unity they are still my brothers and sisters.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
History is still making its determination on whether Brexit was a good idea. Internal borders are negative and make life difficult for small businesses and for the wider infrastructure of Northern Ireland. The protocol is here, and here to stay by all accounts, but Northern Ireland must not suffer trade chaos or put off potential new investment. People must be lifted of any burden which disrupts economic progress.
Sinn Féin
Hospitality worker Michelle Davidson (44) votes in Belfast North
Why are you a Sinn Féin supporter?
Their policies on public services, especially their support for the health service, and I firmly believe they will bring about a united Ireland.
What issues are important to you in this election?
Post covid the cost of living crisis has been a punch for many people like myself, and everyone in my house works. I want action on hospital waiting lists, mental health and seeing your GP. These are front and centre with Sinn Féin.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Féin firmly in the lead. Do you think they will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
It’s certainly looking that way, I want to see a forward thinking party leading government in the right direction for all the people in the north.
Should Unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
If Sinn Féin are the largest party after the election of course unionists should accept that. It is after all a democracy. I guess that will be a test of their commitment to the ballot box.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
I think there will be a poll in the next 10 years. The conversations are happening. It’s time the government caught up with its people. I think people will vote for a united Ireland when they see the benefits for health, education and jobs.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
If there was no Brexit there would be no protocol as the majority of people here who voted to stay in the EU knew. The protocol protects our economy and gives us the chance to create jobs and keep freedom of movement on the island of Ireland where people cross the border day and daily. I want to be back in the EU and we can do that in a united Ireland.
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
Nurse Beverly Simpson (49) votes in Foyle
Why are you an SDLP supporter?
I like the SDLP’s manifesto. I also have respect for other political party candidates and have friends among them so I intend to use my vote transfers wisely.
What issues are important to you in this election?
Hate crime. A racial integration strategy being fully implemented. The cost of living. Improved wages for workers. Improved outcomes for patients. Abuse of health service staff. Education. The price of fuel. GP surgeries being more accessible to minority groups. Equality and immigration issues.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Féin firmly in the lead. Do you think they will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
Should Sinn Fein be the largest party I pray Stormont doesn’t take us for another roller coaster ride with the budget being on hold. The voting public should respect the polls or get out and change it by voting. Don’t be loyal to a dysfunctional system. Please stop complaining too. Do something tangible with your time.
Should Unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
Yes. The results of the election will reflect the voter’s wishes. While I don’t have the political baggage of the past to influence my decision I am acutely aware others do.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
I am not sure. I hope the immigration policies can be reviewed and taken seriously as it will impact on everyone.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
I think it can be renegotiated in good faith. I am also conscious of respecting the views of others. This isn’t the election for traditional voting between orange and green. Northern Ireland has a thinking population that can see past all the padding into the real issues that affect us all directly.
Alliance Party
Researcher Aoife Keating-Fitzpatrick (26) votes in Belfast North
Why are you an Alliance Party supporter?
I think the Alliance Party has the best, most positive vision for Northern Ireland. It is shown in its focus on integrated education and the focus on a shared future.
What issues are important to you in this election?
The cost of living, and healthcare. I also think about the social issues around gender, particularly after the deaths of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy, and so many other women who have lost their lives. What Naomi Long has managed to do in the justice department in the last mandate around domestic violence, stalking and other issues has been very important. Having a party with 50% women election candidates is also important.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Féin firmly in the lead. Do you think they will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
I guess I haven’t really thought about it that much because I don’t think it really matters that much. I don’t think it is a winning or losing election because it’s not really how our politics works.
Should unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
Yeah, I think so. It just doesn’t matter enough. Essentially it is a joint position anyway in all but name. It’s nominal to call it First and deputy so to not have an Executive, to not have a proper functioning government over it is just wrong.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
I have no idea. It is for Brandon Lewis ’ shoulders, and who knows whose shoulders it will sit on in the future. I think it is just one of those things we will just have to sit and see how it goes.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
The protocol is obviously imperfect but it’s a necessary evil of a Brexit that I didn’t want and that Northern Ireland didn’t vote for.
Green Party
Writer and musician Ashley Jones (25) votes in Belfast North
Why are you a Green Party supporter?
I think the Greens have the policies and motivation to help make society fundamentally fairer, and to mitigate the devastation of capitalism-driven climate change.
What issues are important to you in this election?
Healthcare and housing. Transgender healthcare is at an absolute standstill in Northern Ireland. Improving it will save lives. Private tenants need rent controls, and homeless people need homes.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Fein firmly in the lead. Do you think the party will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
I think they will be the largest party, but I don’t think that fundamentally changes anything about Stormont. It needs to be reformed no matter what party has the most MLAs. I suppose the question is whether the DUP will bring in direct rule by dissolving the Assembly once they’re no longer on top.
Should Unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
Yes. There is no real difference between the offices of First and Deputy First Minister. It would be childish to refuse to work with a Sinn Féin First Minister solely on the basis of their official title.
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
In the next few decades, it’s possible. I think when it happens, the campaigns will be much more informed by the material needs of the post-ceasefire generation, rather than community allegiance. I think the result would depend on how each campaign appeals to people’s needs.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
I’m from Fermanagh, where communities cross either side of the border. I don’t want to see a return to border checkpoints. Freedom of movement is my priority. If it’s between that and renegotiation, I’d want renegotiation any day.
People Before Profit (PBP)
Student Seána Clarkin (21) votes in Belfast West
Why are you a PBP supporter?
I am a socialist feminist who wants to see a society based upon the interests of human need not corporate greed, where real liberation as well as civil and environmental rights are achieved. I believe PBP is the best vehicle to help reach these goals. Everywhere we look we are surrounded by crises that are driven by the system of capitalism, rising prices, healthcare crisis, devastating wars, and a climate emergency. The time to put people before profit is now.
What issues are important to you in this election?
The big issue is the cost-of-living crisis, far too many people in my community are struggling to heat their homes but at the same time the energy companies are making huge profits, which is disgraceful. I am also passionate about fighting for free education, student rights and fair pay for teaching staff. It’s important to support and vote for candidates and parties that are pro-choice and advocate for Abortion rights for women. For too long women have been let down by the political establishment here and told that they must travel if they are in need of reproductive medical care.
Current opinion polls put Sinn Fein firmly in the lead. Do you think the party will be the largest party on May 6? If so, what happens then?
Whatever the arrangements at Stormont after the election, my view is that any new Assembly must immediately break from the failed politics of the past and prioritise the interests of working-class people from all communities, instead of corporate elites and wealthy businesses.
Should unionist parties accept, and work with, a Sinn Féin First Minister?
I disagree with those unionist parties who say they will boycott an Executive because of a Sinn Féin First Minister. But at the same time, I think such a development will make little difference in people’s lives. In the end, these positions are symbolic. Instead of sham fights over whose King of the Stormont Castle, we need real change from below.”
Do you think there will be a border poll in the next ten years? 20 years? 30 years? And the result?
The past few years have shown the state and government structure here is dysfunctional and increasingly crisis prone, and the direction of travel seems to point to a debate about our constitutional future. But there are no fixed certainties and what we do matters. Crucial for me is articulating a vision for a radical new socialist Ireland, a society where workers from all communities have an interest in fighting for.
Do you think the Brexit Protocol should be renegotiated with Brussels, or scrapped outright?
The people of the north voted democratically to remain and therefore a Tory Brexit was undemocratically imposed upon them from above. The protocol is an outworking of that, mitigating against some of the negative excesses of a Tory Brexit. I think we should call out the DUP antics around the protocol for what they are, whipping up scare tactics and trying to communalise politics in order to deflect from their own failures in government.
