The story of the Maze - What Sinn Fein wants, Sinn Fein gets
10 September 2012
Commenting on the appointment of Maze Development Corporation TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“The appointment of this body represents not just yet another milestone on the road towards the attainment of the IRA’s goal for the Maze, but the shameless extent of cronyism which shapes DUP/Sinn Fein patronage. The number of card-carrying party members preferred is amazing.
“I am not surprised that co-First Minister and IRA commander McGuinness is “completely relaxed” about a DUP member chairing the group given that the DUP gave in to Sinn Fein/IRA’s demand for a shine to the Hunger Strikers a long time ago. It is the juxtaposition of the new ‘reconciliation centre’ with the IRA citadel buildings of the hunger strikers’ hospital wing and an H-block which both makes this venture possible – because without that Sinn Fein was blocking it – and tarnishes it as a divisive edifice.
“Former IRA prison leader, Raymond McCartney’s boast still stands, “The listed and retained buildings…will be open to the public. There will be the opportunity for the many stories of the gaol to be told.”* Only a fool would not recognise that such is Provo speak for the glorification of their terrorists.
“If the interest was in a neutral reconciliation centre, then it would be built on a neutral site, not one tainted by republican mythology.
“The 180 degree turn which the DUP has perfected on the Maze Shrine, from the days when they rejected a stadium because of such connotations, is telling testimony to the fact that what Sinn Fein wants, Sinn Fein gets.
“It was telling that instead of coming to the floor of the Assembly with this announcement the Joint First Ministers – indeed even the £18m aid was never announced to the Assembly – showed their contempt for the accountability structures of Stormont, to add to the contempt for innocent victims which this project epitomises.”
*Sinn Fein website 2 February 2012
