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I notice that there is some opposition to a Bill of Rights. Since human rights are by defintion universal in that everybody has the same rights and everybody has equal protection why are some people afraid of the Bill of Rights? I understand some people's difficulty with certain aspects but to reject it outright is non-sensical. I read in the Belfast Newsletter today that it is viewed as a concession towards Nationalists and geared towards uniting Ireland. The Belfast Agreement prevents unification without majority consent. Having human rights recognised in a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland will not change that. Everybody will benefit.

In response to Martin: a Bill of Rights would help the working class in that it would help prevent discrimination in the workplace, in housing and in education on the basis of class. Educated people were mentioned. It will aim to promote equality for everyone, educated to whatever extent. It can help people who are victims of anti-social behaviour. Manners, respect, dignity and tolerance are exactly what a Bill of Rights is about. It will do this with it's articles specific to Northern Ireland not to mention the extensive other rights taken from the European Convention. It will ease the caseload of the Human Rights cases in the House of Lords and Europe by allowing people from Northern Ireland to bring cases here, in Northern Ireland. People who feel they have had their human rights abused in Northern Ireland will get their cases heard quicker and with greater efficacy because the law will be based here with additions specific to here.