ALLISTER CHALLENGES SINN FEIN IN BRUSSELS
01 February 2007
During an adjournment debate in the European Parliament, Jim Allister MEP, addressed Sinn Fein's recent indications on policing.
The DUP Euro MP clearly identified that mere words from Sinn Fein were not enough and stressed that its journey from "terrorist adjunct" to being fit for the purpose of office, must be "real rather than virtual".
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"It is good to see seasoned supporters of terrorism profess commitment to the rule of law - against which they fought so long. But only a fool would accept verbal pledges from those who hitherto did not baulk at murder, without putting those pledges to the rigorous test of time and proven delivery. And so it is in Northern Ireland today.
Sinn Fein has made a highly conditional commitment to support the police, but only when they are rewarded with government office. Such blackmail is unacceptable. Genuine commitment to law and order is unconditional.
Furthermore, you can't be untainted democrats and an aspirant Party for Government and still inextricably linked to an illegal organisation, boasting a continuing "Army Council". So Sinn Fein is only at the start of a long road of transition from terrorist adjunct to fit for the purpose of office. May its journey be real rather than virtual."
Commenting further on Mr Adams' comments about the McCartney murder, Mr Allister said, "The IRA offered to shoot the killers of Robert McCartney and Sinn Fein say they suspended several members because of their role. Clearly, therefore, they know the identity of those involved, so let them now hand them over and give to the police the information gleaned from their "inquiry". Otherwise they are withholding information."
