Allister answers Weir
08 January 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister:
“In politics the right to challenge what another politician says is central. However, it should be fairly based and not built on concoction. Thus, I am astounded at Peter Weir’s assertion that in opposing the devolution of policing and justice, I have changed my position. I refer him back to the first of many statements by me on this subject on 1 December 2006. I will even provide him with the link: http://www.jimallister.org/default.asp?blogID=545
He will see that what I warn of today, namely McGuinness getting a say in controlling our Judiciary, lay at the heart of what I said then.
Within the DUP I was always on the side of those who then were saying no devolution of policing and justice in a political lifetime. The fact that they, and he, may now be saying something different shows it is they, not me, who have changed. So, please, Mr Weir get your facts right and when you are at it why don’t you give us the benefit of your opinion as to whether McGuinness should ever get a say in appointing and removing our judges? I think he must never have that power, and I’ve always thought that, but what does Peter Weir and the DUP think now on that vital question? Let’s hear from you.”
