Allister Responds to Robinson Comments on Executive Chaos
26 August 2008
Responding to Peter Robinson’s reaction to Sinn Fein/IRA’s threat to collapse the executive TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“The very fact that Peter Robinson had to issue a statement like today’s amounts to an admission that his party made a gross misjudgement in going into government with IRA/Sinn Fein. He would have had us believe that Republicans had made the transition to democracy but in reality they continue to employ threats to get their way.
“Secondly, the statement underscores my contention that mandatory coalition has failed and is unworkable. A whole raft of issues of vital importance to our Province cannot even be discussed due to Republicans preventing the Executive from meeting. That Mr Robinson concedes this point proves that far from the DUP being in control they have bought into a form of government which gives Sinn Fein an absolute veto over all issues – a veto which republicans are prepared to use not to obtain that which is best even for their own constituents but merely to further their own political agenda.
“Finally, while Peter Robinson speaks out against the possibility of an IRA/Sinn Fein Policing and Justice Minister it is important to remember that this is only part of the story. If policing and justice powers are devolved, Martin McGuinness would have equal say with Peter Robinson in the appointment of our Lord Chief Justice, our Lord Justices of Appeal, our Attorney General and would also acquire powers over the removal of judges. The IRA brutally murdered several judges. That a man who boasted of his role in the IRA leadership should have such a role is obnoxious.
“The 2003 DUP manifesto asked the very important question: “Do you want Sinn Fein/IRA appointing High Court judges?” I regret that this is no longer, apparently, a matter which concerns Mr Robinson.”
