DUP's desperation for UUP cover shows how bad a deal they got
03 March 2010
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister QC:-
“As the moment of consummation of its policing and justice deal with Sinn Fein approaches, the DUP is clearly getting nervous. Hence, its plaintiff plea to the Ulster Unionists to accompany them up the aisle of the Stormont voting lobby.
“Though they shut the UUP out of their secret negotiations with Sinn Fein and wouldn’t even have an Ulster Unionist about the place in the parading Working Group, suddenly the DUP needs them. It will be a test of the UUP’s dignity and self-respect as to whether they allow themselves to be used as Peter’s bridesmaid.
“In spite of all the humiliating evidence to the contrary, Peter Robinson boasts he got a good deal at Hillsborough, one he is wholly committed to selling, but suddenly it’s only a good deal if Sir Reg gives him cover. That tells us all just how bad a deal it is for Unionism – surrender, after all the bluster, to Sinn Fein of an immediate date for the transfer of policing and justice into a terrorist-inclusive Executive, a promise of action on Sinn Fein’s wish list, ranging from the Irish language to expanded north/southery, and all the DUP get is a review of review on parading with a jam tomorrow promise to change the name of the Parades Commission.
“If the Ulster Unionists have any wit they’ll not provide Peter Robinson with the figleaf he so desperately needs to push through this disastrous deal. Of course, the Ulster Unionists are right to say that this malfunctioning executive is unfit for more powers. I trust their reasoning will not itself be rendered dysfunctional by a cowardly roll-over at the last minute.”
