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Learn from our mistakes - Allister

25 October 2006

Speaking during a debate in Strasbourg on the "Peace Process" in Spain, DUP MEP Jim Allister drew on experience in Northern Ireland to urge caution and real testing in respect of ETA's protestations of an interest in peace. Spanish Conservative MEPs applauded his contribution.

In the course of his remarks Jim Allister said:-

"Coming from Northern Ireland which has experienced what is at times euphemistically called a "Peace Process" I see uncanny parallels and lessons to be learned.

ETA/Batasuna and IRA/Sinn Fein are both revolutionary Marxist-based organisations intent on foisting their will and ideology on a civilian population, through viscous violence, as and when required. Not surprisingly deep terrorist links exist between them. Both are expert at hijacking the language of peace, while glorying in past and even continuing exploits of terror, as they adeptly dodge from one phase of struggle to another.

Learn from our mistakes. In 1994 the IRA announced a ceasefire, which proved merely tactical as 18 months later they launched the infamous Canary Wharf  bombing attack and dipped in and out of terror as it suited.  In 1998 they promised to decommission within 2 years, yet it was not till 2005 that they made any notable delivery. They were foolishly and prematurely admitted to Government in Northern Ireland, only to launch their "Stormontgate Spy-ring". In late 2004 they purported to engage in genuine political negotiations, while all the time they were planning the biggest heist in UK history, the "Northern Bank Robbery" and weeks later IRA men murdered Robert McCartney. Now they want back into government, but think they should  keep their "Army Council"!

So do not be taken in by mere proclamations of commitments to peace by those whose stock and trade is duplicity and mayhem. Test them long and test them hard, or you too will have your goodwill exploited."

Click to listen to Jim's speech: http://www.jimallister.eu/uploads/Learn_from_our_mistakes_187.zip

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NI politics