Bannside speech on eve of St. Andrews' talks
11 October 2006
Extract from a speech from Euro MP Jim Allister to Bannside DUP on the eve of the St. Andrews' talks
“The hype, pressure and threat of Government and others concerning this week’s Scottish gathering is the sort of thing past unionist negotiators buckled under, resulting in short-term fixes, premature and flawed judgements and unsustainable devolution. We, I believe, will not make that mistake. If we do, we deserve the same fate as the UUP.
Nothing can or will be decided at St Andrews over the head of the people. Ultimately, the electorate must have the final say.
Nor, are we interested in devolution for the sake of devolution. It has to be durable and democratic and the exclusive domain of demonstrably committed democrats. So, its not just a matter of Sinn Fein espousing policing – on that issue there has to be proven change which will demonstrate itself over a protracted period – well beyond 24 November – in the form of active encouragement to help the police, leading to convictions in the courts – lifting the cosh off witnesses so that Robert McCartney’s IRA killers can be brought to justice would be a good start, but more, much more, will be required. The inextricable link to criminality has to be broken and only time will prove that. No one can be in government with an illegal “Army” at its beck and call.
Nor, is policing the only issue. Sustainable structures are central. Structures which respect rather than subvert democracy and the right of the electorate at elections to evict failing Parties from Government. Structures which make Ministers truly accountable and require from them fidelity to Northern Ireland and respect for its constitutional position and the principle of consent.
Self evidently, there is much to be done and a great distance for some to travel.”
