Alliance experiences the bitter taste of DUP/Sinn Fein gratitude
11 January 2012
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA:-
"The latest manifestation of government by expediency, not strategy, is the proposal to transfer DEL to the departments of Alliance's overlords Sinn Fein and the DUP. We were promised a programme to adequately cut government departments - some talked of 8, some even 6 - instead, we get one selective strike, inspired not by a thrust for small government, but a necessity to sustain the 'no unionist need apply' Justice department. Is this it as far as reducing Stormont departments and waste? Do we now wait till the next election to see re-run the empty promises of slim-lined government that was supposed to be delivered now?
"As for the DUP promised St Andrews Review that would dismantle mandatory coalition and deliver voluntary coalition and an Opposition, is that too parked? Yes, because, ultimately nothing will ever be done that threatens the cosy Sinn Fein/DUP consensus and the power that it guarantees.
"The Alliance Party fell over itself for power in scrambling for the Justice department, now it discovers that the price of holding on to that post is to sacrifice Stephen Farry. It will, of course, dutifully pay that price, because the DUP/Sinn Fein axis always had the measure of the Alliance Party. Mind you, there is something of an irony in the fact that Dr Farry who was so intent on the folly of the Stranmillis/QUB merger, is himself the one to be merged out of existence!"
