Sinn Fein Challenged on Attitude to G8 Summit
20 November 2012
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I welcome the fact that the G8 summit is coming to Northern Ireland. It is a reminder that Northern Ireland is in the UK and therefore in the G8, not part of an economic basket case with a credit rating of junk.
“Today is an opportune time for us to reflect on the attitude of Sinn Fein/IRA to G8 summits in the past. Back in 2005 they boasted that Barry McElduff was one of the “international speakers” addressing a so-called “G8 Alternatives Summit” in Edinburgh. Republican News informed readers:
“The G8 Alternatives Summit brought together leading human rights campaigners, political activists and environmental thinkers from all parts of the world to do battle with the ideas and strategies of the G8 leaders meeting in Gleneagles.
“More than 5,000 people attended the plenary sessions, workshops and seminars on a range of themes from the Colombian workers' campaign against Coca-Cola to the experience of the Chavez Government in Venezuela”.
“An article in the same edition of Republican News described violent protests against the Summit in the following terms:
“While the elites of the G8 states are very powerful it is at least a timely reminder that they are being watched, challenged and confronted. While these demonstrations aren't likely to result in political upheaval and overthrow any time soon, it is encouraging for progressive forces to see that the pressure is being maintained.”
“Will Sinn Fein/IRA be wrapping themselves in the Red Flag again when the G8 comes to Fermanagh? Will they be lambasting the world leaders and supporting violent protests again?”
