Allister responds to North South Ministerial Council meeting
23 January 2009
Commenting on today’s North South Ministerial Council Jim Allister said:
“There is not much point on the DUP putting down an Assembly motion calling for an end to the NSMC - which they know cannot pass because of Sinn Fein’s veto - while simultaneously in Londonderry today discussing expanding the role of Dublin.
“Today’s North South Ministerial Council meeting discussed two new structures: a North South Consultative Forum and a North South Parliamentary Forum.
“Not content with accepting the structures David Trimble negotiated it seems that the DUP are prepared to discuss additional North/Southery.
“As for the secret review of the existing north/south structures – which had no scope within its terms of reference to reduce north/south bodies, only expand them – I call for its immediate publication so that all might see what is shaping up for agreement.
“Consider also the fact that in spite of loud pre-devolution boasts that the DUP would cut expenditure on North/South Bodies, the DUP Finance Minister granted them every penny they asked for, no questions asked.
“So less of the hypocrisy please. It’s time to own up to the reality that you simply cannot oppose North-Southery and simultaneously work the Belfast Agreement.”
