‘Guy Spence: The Nice Guy’ by Donal Lavery

A few people, particularly those in the SDLP or the ‘intrigues’ in People Before Profit, have accused me of spitting literary vitriol at any political figures who I profoundly disagree with. That’s certainly not the case in all instances. I like people who stand for things in a straightforward way – there are people I admire in various capacities and with numerous characteristics, for a diverse range of reasons. From his political “baptism of fire” into Belfast City Council, as the historic youngest councillor on these islands, I’ve always liked Guy Spence. He is quirky and sharp, with a fresh outlook that espouses youthfulness and presentation in its approach. He is quite the break from the middle-aged, more conservative candidates produced by the Unionist tradition – although that is changing.

There’s no denying the contrasts – He’s an Ulsterman, I’m an Irishman; He’s a Unionist, I’m a Nationalist; He is to the right on somethings, I’m to the Left. But we are the same age, we live in the same general area and we have everything in common by way of the economic development and potential progress of this part of Belfast, as well as the wider city. So younger people are going to have to look beyond the distinctions and towards the commonalities, embracing the Green, White and Orange, in our land.

Here is someone totally untypical of the right generally, in that he has perfect manners when speaking to different groups  and has respect for ordinary people he encounters whatever their background. He also has veneration for older people and family-life, which are two things that I feel society needs to uphold more. It’s always nice to come across someone who also values the words of their grandparents.

At 19, he entered City Hall not certain of what to expect, but soon found his way in a changing, more cosmopolitan city. Rising to the role of Deputy Lord Mayor, which my grandfather also served in prior to him. Guy actually went out of his way to build bridges between both communities, reaching out particularly in the sporting arena – in addition to being an excellent ambassador for this city, the young former footballer shone brightly at home and abroad.

He may not agree with this, but I think he would be a much bigger fish in a ‘One Nation, Two Models’ Ireland – in the way that China and Hong Kong co-exist. A reunified Ireland with two parliaments, under a Federal structure and enlightened constitution. For as Pearse famously said, he would rather have the Orangemen in an Irish Government that respects them, than on the periphery of a British Parliament which isolates them. Just like his hero Edward Carson, I think Guy would be capable of not simply helping the Unionist people to thrive in a united Ireland, but of motivating them into leading it.

There is a saying that ‘the wisdom of the Old should fear the strength of Youth.’ And nowadays, it is great to see young people involved in politics; I think the last Assembly election proves that the public want a younger generation of leaders to advance the cause of peace in the North, while building on the foundations of their predecessors. As youth, we didn’t come here to take part, we are here to take over. So  I’ll conclude by asserting that Guy says what he means and means what he says, and you can’t ask for more than that. It doesn’t dilute my politics or beliefs to state that he’s a credit to his parents, his party and his community, whatever our differences.