Sinn Fein/IRA still oppose rule of law – Allister
15 October 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has attacked Sinn Fein/IRA MLA Raymond McCartney for calling for the release of Maze escapee Paul Brennan from US custody. Commenting Mr Allister said:
“It should come as no surprise that a former inmate of the Maze should be heading up a campaign for Brennan’s release from US custody. Brennan is still wanted in the United Kingdom for escaping while serving a 23 year sentence for processing a bomb and a firearm yet McCartney describes him as a “political” prisoner. It is evident that Sinn Fein/IRA still believes that Republicans were perfectly within their rights to use violence in the past to achieve political ends. The clear implication is that they would be justified in using it again should it be politically advantageous.
“Far from accepting the rule of law, the Provo petition calling for the release of Brennan illustrates that they wish to prevent justice being done. If, as some Unionists now foolishly claim, Republicans support the rule of law they would welcome the detention of this fugitive from justice.
“Many victims will be outraged by McCartney’s revelation that Sinn Fein/IRA has asked Paul Goggins to expunge prison records. McCartney’s comments about the difficulties faced by ex-prisoners when it comes to employment, travel, etc will cut little ice with the families of the two thousand people who were robbed of the most fundamental of human rights – the right to life – by Sinn Fein’s military wing. Accordingly, I have written to Minister Goggins requesting an assurance that there be no attempt to introduce fresh legislative or administrative moves which would vary the practice and law relating to employment and other issues as they presently exist.”
