TUV comments on latest tift among Joint First Ministers
27 September 2010
Statement by TUV vice-chairman Keith Harbinson:
“The contradictory statements from co-First Ministers Robinson and McGuinness about the purpose of tomorrow’s meeting with the chancellor raise a number of important questions.
“Firstly, why does Mr Robinson have concerns about adequate resources to combat the threat from so-called dissidents when a few months ago we were assured that a significant and substantial financial package had been secured before policing and justice was devolved? One of the key concerns cited at the time was that there would be adequate money to combat the threat posed by Republican terrorists.
“Secondly, how can Northern Ireland hope to secure the best deal possible from HM Treasury when the joint First Ministers are so obviously pulling in opposite directions?
“Finally, the dismissal by McGuinness of the MI5 assessment gives us an insight into the continued Sinn Fein/IRA antipathy towards the intelligence services. It is frightening to think of the implications which this attitude has, given that policing and justice powers have been devolved to the terrorist inclusive executive he jointly heads, after we had been told that Sinn Fein/IRA had signed up to acknowledge, respect and support the rule of law.
“This incident once again underscores the dysfunctionalism of the Stormont executive and its inability to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland”.
