Sinn Fein's policing agenda exposed
01 December 2009
First published: 30th November 2009
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister QC:
This year in face of rising republican terrorism Army surveillance units have been necessary in Northern Ireland and recently saved the life of a young policeman in Garrison. This was possible under the current policing and justice arrangements because authority to request such help was sanctioned by the NIO through Minister Goggins.
Sinn Fein demands the devolution of policing and justice to an Executive in which they hold the power of veto. But yesterday the National Chairman, speaking on behalf of Sinn Fein decreed:
“Nor is there any acceptable role for British military forces in today’s six counties. Sinn Féin will not accept the reintroduction of any British military presence or activity; be it undercover, or otherwise.”So, we have policing and justice devolution planned to an Executive where armed with veto powers Sinn Fein can thwart what is necessary to defeat current IRA violence. This is madness, beyond belief. Stopping such devolution should be a matter of principle not timing for unionists.
Kearney also lambasted necessary action against Sinn Fein luminary, Sean Hughes, as a "repressive raid" by "political detectives". Only a fool would fail to see where Sinn fein meddling would take us once policing and justice was devolved. Thus, only a very foolish or very desperate Unionist would roll over to Sinn Fein's demands.
Now is the time for all Unionists to face down the IRA/Sinn Fein agenda.
Unionists should also note the occasion for Sinn Fein’s latest demand for the transfer of policing and justice – an event in Dunloy glorifying two IRA terrorists, who met their just deserts when they murdered a soldier. This a reminder in itself of why these powers should never be devolved to an Executive where IRA/Sinn Fein holds the power of veto.
“Aiming to make a train wreck of Sinn Fein’s ambition to end British control of policing and justice is something TUV happily admits. Derailing, not merely delaying, Sinn Fein’s agenda should be the work of every Unionist.”
