The Northern Ireland Assembly has united in support of the post office as a crucial part of society, particularly in rural communities. In a debate yesterday, speakers from all the parties stressed the importance of postal services to the elderly, disabled, and those on low incomes.
The Assembly, however, has no power over the Postal Services Bill, currently before Westminster. Members expressed concern that the Bill would mean the closure of many post offices and would undermine rural economies.
Mr John Dallat of the SDLP said the post office was vital to the industrial, economic and social fabric of local communities. He said the Assembly had to see how it could use its influence to ensure the most vulnerable members of society were not deprived of services.
Mr Jim Wilson of the Ulster Unionist Party, said the threat to the rural community from the proposals was "a very real one". The British government must "face up to the reality that many people live in a cash-based society, did not have bank accounts and did not want them.
Mr Ian Paisley jnr of the DUP said: "It is amazing - it has taken Postman Pat and his black-and-white cat to unite this House."