ALLISTER WARNS AGAINST DUP SELL OUT
14 November 2008
TUV Leader Jim Allister has warned that there are emerging signs of a damaging deal between the DUP and Sinn Fein. In a statement Jim Allister MEP said:-
“There are clear signs that the way is being prepared for a deal with IRA/Sinn Fein. I believe the DUP is preparing to make a major climb-down on academic selection, by conceding no selection at 11 and delaying streaming till 14 years of age. This would effectively mark the end of the grammar schools and introduce all-ability comprehensives for the greater part of school years. Some form of academic streaming at 14 is a far cry from the promised saving of academic selection. The first indication that academic selection would be compromised was when Sammy Wilson was replaced as lead education spokesman by an expendable fall-guy, Mervyn Storey. Such a sell-out on education would, of course, only be part of a wider package to resolve, for now, the Stormont stand off.
"With crucial “progress” having been made to save the “Maze Shrine” the moment the DUP First Minister agreed to ask Brussels for money for a conflict resolution centre, in the EU Task Force negotiations, the scene is already set for delivery on that Provo demand. Promising a date for a date on policing and justice is part of the intended fudge there. Whereas the expedient of delivery through an Irish Language “strategy”, rather than an “Act” is being proffered to satisfy the insatiable Sinn Fein demand for now. Really, whatever it takes to keep the Stormont show on the road. Such is inevitable when principle is set aside for expediency.
"Of course, this short-termism will be rewarded by Sinn Fein returning for more when they next need to gorge on Unionist concessions.”
