Statement by TUV South Antrim spokesperson Mel Lucas:
“Having faced criticism from Nationalism following their absence from the rally for the breakup of the U.K. in Dublin, Alliance has clearly decided that they need to get back onside with Republicans as Stephen Farry has been announced as a panellist alongside Sinn Fein and the SDLP at an Ireland’s Future event in London.
“If we are not to conclude that Alliance are moving towards an outright nationalist position how does one explain this? Let’s not forget that the Republican jamboree in Dublin saw the leader of Sinn Fein/IRA as the only politician worthy of a standing ovation. In addition, any suggestion of compromise with Unionists – be that a retention of the name Northern Ireland or the continuation of power sharing in an all-Ireland – was met with outright hostility from those in attendance.
“Coming off the back of that, however, Alliance clearly still believes that there is room for them at events run by this group which is exists solely to destroy the U.K.
“Alliance can spin all they wish but their willingness to take part in events organised by those who exist to seek the destructions of ties which bind us to the rest of the U.K. will cause many to draw their own conclusions.”