Allister Responds to East Belfast Riot
01 September 2009
“The fact that the trouble took place following a Sinn Fein/IRA rally to mark the closure of Mountpottinger PSNI station should act as a wakeup call to those Unionists who prop up terrorist inclusive government.
“Sadly the pathetic comments of Gerry Kelly’s partner in the First Ministers’ Office, Robin Newton, show little sign of an awakening to reality. He asks if the event had the blessing of Sinn Fein or was organised by one or two individuals.
“It is self-evident that the event was endorsed by his coalition partners. The rally is even advertised in the online version of Sinn Fein’s weekly magazine An Phoblacht where it is described as a “rally to celebrate closure of Mountpottinger Barracks.” What sort of organisation “celebrates” the closure of a police station? Strange terminology indeed for a party supposedly committed to the rule of law! Now that it has been pointed out to Mr Newton that it was a centrally organised Sinn Fein event what is he going to do about it?
“Not only that but Sinn Fein attacked the police for using plastic bullets in spite of the fact that there was major trouble in the area.
“It’s about time the DUP got real about the organisation to which they are politically shackled. Last night’s riot coupled to events such as the hunger strike commemoration at Galbally and Sinn Fein’s public opposition to plans for a monument to Lord Mountbatten and the other victims of an IRA bombing in Donegal demonstrate that Republicans have not changed. They remain as unfit to be in government today as they were under David Trimble.”
