Allister responds to Adams' departure
06 December 2010
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:
"As I said previously, Louth's loss is very much Northern Ireland's gain.
"However, some of what the Sinn Fein/IRA leader said in his final speech to the Assembly is noteworthy.
"What has happened over the last few years is indeed "remarkable".
"Some have been able to overcome the difficulty of political careers built on attacking those who partnered terrorists in government only to do the very same thing themselves.
"It is "remarkable" that so many solemn pledges, so many ill-gotten gains and so many election manifestos could be forgotten in the rush to embrace Republicans as governmental partners.
"And it is correct to state that the Belfast Agreement recognises that a united Ireland is the end result of the current process.
"Schedule 1 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Belfast Agreement gives the Secretary of State the power to call a referendum if it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom. This referendum can be held again 7 years later.
"There is no provision in legislation for a border poll to be held in order to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s determination to remain part of the United Kingdom.
"Unionists need to wake up and recognise the destination of the so-called "peace process".
