Stormont new faces bring fresh perspectives

By Jim Fitzpatrick BBC NI Politics Show

Billy Leonard is a former RUC reservist and Orangeman

I have a confession to make: I don't hate all politicians. In fact, I find many of them to be reasonably human. A number are even quite likeable.

I'm not suggesting that they are all wonderful, but I don't buy the "they're all the same - in it for themselves" theory that has gained ground in recent times. It's too simplistic.

Take the three latest recruits to Stormont as an example: one Ulster Unionist, one Sinn Fein and one SDLP.

Due to the assembly's unique system they are taking office without having fought an election, because the position of the MLAs standing down can be filled by a selection process within each party.

By-elections

It avoids the need for by-elections which would probably be unfair because of the multi-seat nature of the constituencies.

The new Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan, is a former army officer, fine art dealer, corporate PR man and farmer. The 51-year-old is a cousin of Chris de Burgh and he lives in a castle in Templepatrick.

If you meet Mr Kinahan in Parliament Buildings he is invariably polite and courteous. He enjoys conversation on wide range of topics - not just party policy. His skills as a politician have yet to be demonstrated, but he certainly brings an interesting breadth of experience to the job.

Billy Leonard is a 54-year-old former RUC reservist and Orangeman. He's also the new Sinn Fein MLA for East Londonderry, taking office in the new year.

Orange insights

There can't be too many Sinn Fein members at party meetings who are able to offer genuine "insight" into the thinking of former RUC men and Orangemen. That's a pretty unique addition.

This week the SDLP in South Belfast chose 37-year-old Conall McDevitt to replace Carmel Hanna when she steps down soon.

Parties can select new MLAs without a by-election if an assembly member stands down

Born in Dublin and raised in Spain, Mr McDevitt is no stranger to the SDLP, having run its press operations during the peace process and talks years and subsequently acting as advisor to Brid Rodgers during the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Anorak

As a non-stop blogger and regular commentator, he has a transition to make from anorak and mouthpiece for others to a political grafter who speaks for himself. But his last few years in charge of one of Belfast's biggest public relations firms will have given him some serious executive experience.

It's hard to argue that any of these individuals are in politics entirely for themselves. I suspect in some cases the move to Stormont involves financial sacrifices rather than rewards.

It's also hard to argue that the diverse experience of these three individuals will not benefit their parties.

So, with more resignations likely can the assembly look forward to a fresh crop of potentially talented new members? Perhaps, but only if the assembly is still around to receive them in the new year.

With that question hanging over their heads, we meet the new recruits on Sunday's Politics Show. A glimpse of the future, or what might have been.

See you Sunday at midday on BBC1.

Jim

PS - This week the press corps bade farewell to one of the most popular political journalists on the island, Billy Graham of the Irish News. Billy is trading in the Stormont basement for some time on airplanes seeing exotic locations like Cambodia. A lunch for him in the Members dining room on Thursday saw both Martin McGuinness and Alastair McDonnell take time to call in and wish Billy good luck while earlier in the week the UUP had made a presentation to the Irish News veteran at a smaller gathering. Billy's farewell words included a poignant reminder that having dealt with the debris and death of the troubles we should give thanks for the assembly despite all its problems.

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