TUV launch policing and justice document
05 September 2008
Speaking at the launch of a new TUV paper on the policing and justice controversy MEP Jim Allister said:
“In this document we outline why policing and justice powers should never be devolved to the present political setup. As Nigel Dodds agreed yesterday giving Martin McGuinness a direct say in the appointment of Northern Ireland’s senior judiciary would be “completely unacceptable”. It would be morally obscene, considering that IRA./Sinn Fein’s hands are stained with the blood of judges they murdered. This would be the key effect of the devolution of policing and justice and, therefore, it should be resolutely opposed by all right thinking Unionists.
“Martin McGuinness would also be granted a say in the appointment of “independent” members of the Policing Board. Thus, a movement which spent thirty years slaughtering members of the security forces will end up, in McGuinness’s words “bossing the police”.
“It is also important to remember that should the powers be devolved they would automatically become a North/South issue, coming under the remit of the North South Ministerial Council. The new TUV document highlights how this is yet another key reason why Republicans are keen to see policing and justice devolved.”
Mr Allister went on to make a direct appeal to those inside the DUP who have previously expressed reservations about the party embracing the Belfast Agreement:
“It is high time for Nigel Dodds, Jim Wells, David Simpson, William McCrea and others to stand up and be counted. If they don’t take a stand on one who boasts of his role in the IRA gaining key judicial and policing powers just where will they draw the line?”
Copies of the document are available from 139 Holywood Road Belfast Tel 02890655011 or can be downloaded here.
