Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC, BarendFredericShaw said the Cosmocratic Party had been preparing policies “behind the scenes” while accusing the National Party of turning the election into a campaign centred around itself.
“Right now, I would say that the Cosmocratic Party is preparing for the election campaign because I am aware that the National Party has essentially made this an election about themselves,” BarendFredericShaw said.
BarendFredericShaw criticised the government’s performance in office, claiming it had only delivered “30%” of its key promises while ministries across government were facing growing problems.
“We have to take into account the deteriorating state of the MoJ, the ineffectivity of the Treasury on the government’s part, and a large array of an inability to progress and to innovate on the National Party’s side in government,” BarendFredericShaw said.
According to BarendFredericShaw, the Cosmocratic Party’s approach combines “pragmatism” with what was described as a “forward-thinking” political vision.
While defending the party’s slower rollout of policies, BarendFredericShaw acknowledged criticism surrounding the Cosmocratic Party’s lack of public responses and messaging.
“I believe that criticism behind the lack of response in our channel is fair and I apologise for it,” BarendFredericShaw said.
However, BarendFredericShaw argued that the party was prioritising “quality messaging” over what was described as “empty promises and guarantees that other parties make but ultimately renege on”.
BarendFredericShaw also stated that the snap election would allow the Cosmocratic Party to “maximise” its resources, including campaign staff, policy development and media graphics.
Asked why voters should support the Cosmocratic Party, BarendFredericShaw said the party offered policies that other political groups had failed to provide for years.
A central part of BarendFredericShaw’s platform focused on Britain’s international competitiveness, particularly space development. BarendFredericShaw argued that Britain should pursue a “Commonwealth-aligned” space programme capable of competing internationally.
“Right now we are investing on Britain’s aspect in competition, primarily around the space race,” BarendFredericShaw said. “I believe that if we gather our resources and build a Commonwealth-aligned space program, we can be just as competitive, if not better than what Ireland is currently accomplishing.”
BarendFredericShaw also floated the possibility of placing a future British space station in Northern Ireland, although BarendFredericShaw said discussions with local government would first need to take place after regional elections conclude.
Beyond space policy, BarendFredericShaw said the Cosmocratic Party would seek to expand overseas representation through reforms to regional independent lists, which BarendFredericShaw said would “ensure greater representation within our realm”.
When asked about priorities if elected, BarendFredericShaw pointed first to foreign affairs and relations with the Republic of Ireland.
“My first priority if I were elected would be to focus on matters pertaining to foreign affairs: our relations with the Republic of Ireland,” BarendFredericShaw said.
While describing current relations as strained, BarendFredericShaw said a Cosmocrat government would seek cooperation with the Irish government on issues relating to “security and the well-being of the Northern Irish community”.
BarendFredericShaw also highlighted diplomacy, business and national security as immediate priorities for government.
Defending personal leadership credentials, BarendFredericShaw pointed to previous experience serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“My portfolio speaks for itself,” BarendFredericShaw said.
BarendFredericShaw cited reforms involving patents, the introduction of car races in Westbridge, the creation of the Gromits Awards for businesses, and bipartisan work on workers’ rights legislation alongside former colleagues in the Social Democrats and Unionists.
“I believe that these qualities best demonstrate me as the right person to lead the country,” BarendFredericShaw said.
The Cosmocratic Party is among several smaller political parties attempting to gain support ahead of the snap election, with BarendFredericShaw positioning the party as an alternative to both the government and established opposition parties.