Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On 16th October the DUP issued a statement in the name of Peter Weir saying that “No self-respecting Unionist will be present in any meeting to discuss internal Northern Ireland business where a seat at the table is given to the Irish representatives”.
“This appeared to be a welcome change of heart by the DUP given that they had no issue with the Irish Government having a role in talks leading up to the devolution of policing and justice powers. Peter Robinson even took part in a press conference announcing the deal alongside Brian Cowan (see here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8499971.stm).
“However, now we learn that the Irish Foreign Minister is to meet with the executive parties to discuss issues including flag and parades. Should the DUP meet Mr Flanagan and sit in a plenary with him the speed of their climb down – less than three weeks after they finally toughened up their line on talking with the Irish Government – will be remarkable even by their standards.
“Any attempt to claim that Dublin is only involved because of their role in the Troubles will ring hollow with anyone who has read the Haass proposals. While they make multiple proposals impacting on the PSNI and propose the establishment of new bodies in Northern Ireland there is no such suggestion with regards to the Republic. The Garada doesn’t even merit a mention in spite of the fact that they were involved in serious collusion with the IRA!
“Dublin should mind its own business and no self-respecting Unionist will be present in any meeting to discuss internal Northern Ireland business where a seat at the table is given to the Irish representatives”.