Only a vote for Allister is anti-Sinn Fein
17 February 2009
Responding to Dianne Dodds’ self-serving claim to be a candidate behind whom all Unionists can unite, Jim Allister said:
“While others only hint at the importance of transferring to all Unionist candidates in the European poll, Traditional Unionist Voice has no difficulty in stating this outright, as we did months ago. It is vital that two Unionist candidates are returned. This should be the top priority of every Unionist. Hence, the unfortunate insistence of Mrs Dodds in splitting the Unionist vote, in circumstances where two sitting Unionists are defending their seats.
“However, the Unionist people should be in no doubt there will be other important issues decided in this election. Chief among them will be the opportunity it presents for people across Northern Ireland to pass their verdict on the DUP’s coalition with Sinn Fein/IRA. The DUP cannot spend all day working round the Executive table with Sinn Fein, not caring how many members of the IRA Army Council sit there, and then claim, with any degree of credibility, that they are the party to defeat Republicans, when they knock the doors in the evening.
“It takes the marriage of principle and consistency to convey a truly anti-Sinn Fein stance, not the schizophrenic expediency of propping up Sinn Fein by day and pretending opposition by night.
“A first preference vote for any candidate other than myself in next June’s poll will be viewed as an endorsement of the deal which saw Sinn Fein/IRA elevated to the top of the government of our Province. When the votes are counted only those cast for Allister will be viewed as anti-Sinn Fein.
“This poll will give people a chance to pass their judgement on the last two years of Belfast Agreement devolution. If people are happy with Martin McGuinness as joint First Minister, are grateful for the chaos that Ruane has brought to our education system, if they are content with Ministers who cannot even bring themselves to say the name of the Province they rule over, then, they will want to thank the DUP. If not, they will vote for the only candidate who opposes Sinn Fein/IRA in government, 24/7.
“Since St Andrews Martin McGuinness has, courtesy of the DUP, been able to strut the world stage as the voice of Northern Ireland. Peter Robinson cannot go anywhere as First Minister without his co-equal in toe. A Party and candidate who supports McGuinness as Joint First Minister, won't con people into believing they are really concerned by Barbara de Brun.
“I want to see Unionists united in opposition to the Republican agenda. Only by voting Traditional Unionist can they send a clear message to Europe and the world that Martin McGuinness does not speak for them.”
