Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“While it will take time to analyse the full detail of the latest DUP/Sinn Fein deal, one thing is clear – it’s all about clinging to power, in spite of the fact that we still have an armed, active and Sinn Fein controlling IRA. Such was the DUP’s desperation to delay an election that any deal would do.
“Sweeping murder under the carpet is the abiding message of this Sinn Fein/DUP manifesto.
“There is no mention in the document of the IRA Army Council. All there is is an empty pledge that politicians will only take direction from their electorate! Don’t forget that Sinn Fein continue to deny that the IRA Army Council even exists! There is no mention of IRA murder. There is no mention of decommissioning the weapons still held by the IRA.
“The new body supposed to oversee paramilitaries doesn’t even have the power of the old IMC to recommend that a party be removed from the Assembly.
“What a pitiful and shameful legacy for Peter Robinson that today he leads the DUP into renewing its vows with IRA/Sinn Fein, despite the damning findings of the Government panel. Less than a month ago this report on paramilitaries confirmed that Sinn Fein’s military wing retains weapons and is engaged in serious criminal activity – up to and including murder.
“What now of the DUP’s Seven Manifesto Principles on which they claimed to have entered government with Republicans?
“Principles two, three and four said:
2. No negotiations with the representatives of terrorism but we will talk to other democratic parties.
3. Those who are not committed to exclusively peaceful and democratic means should not be able to exercise unaccountable executive power.
4. Terrorist structures and weaponry must be removed before the bar to the Stormont executive can be opened.
“There is now no presence that any of that – the basis on which the DUP justified entering government with IRA/Sinn Fein – matters any more to the DUP. Power before principle.
“That shameful state of affairs will not be forgotten by the Unionist electorate.”