Which Gerry should we believe, Ian? Correction: Which Ian should we believe?
01 March 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister:
“In recent weeks the DUP has been very keen to quote Gerry McHugh. I wonder will they be so keen to quote a rather more significant Gerry, Gerry Adams and his boast at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis that republicanism, thanks to having the Belfast Agreement in full operation, is now closer than ever to a united Ireland? Not much sign today of Sinn Fein having “bought into the British state”, as DUP politicians have foolish boasted.
Indeed the contradictory confusion in Ian Paisley’s thinking is well illustrated by his statement today on policing & justice. He said of his government partner, Sinn Fein, “If republicans are absolutely committed to democracy and the rule of law they have no need of a so-called Army Council and they should end their sectarian campaign against our Loyal Orders.”
Indeed, but aren’t these the same republicans who the same Ian Paisley has constantly told us are already signed up to the rule of law! Is he now accepting the elementary precept that support for the rule of law and retention of an Army Council are mutually exclusive? If so, then what is he doing in government with IRA/Sinn Fein? Interesting, too, that he now seems to believe his partners in government are still waging a sectarian campaign against the Loyal Orders, the most overt aspect of which is arson attacks on Orange Halls.
It is such confused thinking and contradictory actions which has brought unionism to the point where Adams can gloat over the progress he is making in destroying the Union.”
