DUP trapped into negotiations - Allister
05 June 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist Leader, Jim Allister MEP:-
"The reality of the outcome of the last few days is that Sinn Fein has manoeuvred the DUP into fresh negotiations over issues the unionist people were assured were under unionist veto. The inevitable outcome of hothouse negotiations will be concessions by the DUP, just as it was with Trimble before them, especially, since Sinn Fein has the option of forcing an election at any point by resigning McGuinness as joint First Minister.
So I warn the Unionist people that, despite loud assurances that the Irish Language Act was dead, that policing & justice was subject to unionist timing and indications that the Maze would not proceed, we should prepare for further concessions to republicanism. Such is the nature of a process which can only survive if mutual vetoes are not exercised. There will be much bluster from Mr Robinson, but he too will end up feeding the insatiable Sinn Fein tiger if he wants to keep his job as joint First Minister.
I understand one of the ideas being floated is to allow Westminster to take some language decisions, which the DUP would publicly protest but tolerate. Such would be a travesty and a mockery of supposedly having devolved powers.
It's time the DUP recognised the unworkability and folly of Belfast Agreement devolution and delivered themselves and the Province from its clutches."
