Allister challenges Paisley to by-election debate
14 January 2008
Speaking on the occasion of Keith Harbinson handing in his nomination papers at Banbridge, as the first Traditional Unionist Voice candidate to fight an election, Jim Allister MEP said:-
“Though some may see this as a David and Goliath venture, I believe it is essential that at this juncture in a safe Unionist area the electorate are offered a real choice. With both main Unionist parties now enthusiastically working and implementing the Belfast Agreement, it is vital that Unionists, who still rightly object to unrepentant terrorists at the heart of our government and to structures geared to the ultimate delivery of an all-Ireland, are given a voice.
During this election we will put the focus back on issues which others would rather forget, like the fact that Sinn Fein still has a military wing and that it murdered Paul Quinn. That the evil Army Council still exists. That Sinn Fein in government is working its all-Ireland agenda, even to the point of seeking to harmonise our education selection system to that prevailing in the Republic. We will call to account the broken promises of last March and if the First Minister would like to come to Dromore to a public debate with me on these issues, I’ll be there. Will he?
I am delighted to support a candidate of the calibre and ability of Keith Harbinson, who not only stands foursquare in defence of traditional unionist principles, but who has the skill and ability to give the people of Dromore and district first class representation on Banbridge Council.”
