A well done from Peter to Tyrone GAA?
20 July 2009
Commenting on a statement issued through the Office of the Joint First Minister congratulating the Tyrone for winning the Ulster football final Jim Allister said:
“It was with some bemusement that I read the DUP response to a question from a journalist about why a statement from the Office of the First Ministers congratulating Tyrone on winning the Ulster GAA final was only in the name of McGuinness.
“The DUP are quoted as saying:
"Politicians are usually criticised for what they do say rather than what they don't. But as we are in the mood for looking for congratulations all around, we look forward to hearing the chair of the DCAL committee congratulating the organisers of Orangefest for a hugely successful Twelfth of July."
“Perhaps the DUP thought they were being clever with such a reply. However, their silly, off the cuff remarks do not hide the reality that regardless of whether of not Robinson’s name appeared on the statement OFMDFM protocol demanded that that it had to have the DUP leader’s approval before being issued.
“In August 2006 I wrote to OFMDFM asking for clarification on the protocols/arrangements pertaining to the making of public statements by the First Minister or deputy First Minister when acting in an official capacity. It was made clear to me that official material is prepared “with the knowledge and agreement” of both Ministers.
“Therefore, regardless of whose name appears on the statement Peter Robinson would have to have agreed the statement before it was issued.
“If Mr Robinson did not approve the statement how was it issued in defiance of protocol?”
